Main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s President and former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, has stated that he does not believe President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih would contest the 2023 Presidential Election. Nasheed made the statement while participating in a program broadcast by the Dhivehi Channel.
Nasheed said the MDP members will decide who will contest in the 2023 presidential race through a presidential primary within the party. He said it is imperative that a third candidate contests the primary besides himself and President Solih.
However, he then went on to state that he did not expect President Solih to contest the presidential primary. Nasheed said President Solih had not made any statement to indicate he would contest the election.
"I don't expect President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to contest [the upcoming presidential election]. However, I have made it clear in different ways that I will contest the election," Nasheed said.
In response to Nasheed's statement, the President's Office has said President Solih has not decided against contesting in the 2023 Presidential Election.
Speaking to AVAS, the President's Office's Spokesperson Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said President Solih has not shared with anyone that he would not contest the presidential election. Mabrook said the President would make a choice on the matter and announce his decision.
