The MDP presidential primary rivalry is now over, and it is time for all party members to work together, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said.
On Saturday, President Solih contested against Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed in the most anticipated presidential primary in years. President Solih came out as the winner, receiving over 61 percent of the votes.
In the celebrations that followed the victory, President Solih addressed party members and said the rivalry within the MDP was over and invited the rivals to work together. However, he did not directly refer to Nasheed when he mentioned competitors.
"I call on the contenders to end the rivalry, to work with the party to win the upcoming presidential election," he said.
The President said the MDP is an exemplary party in democracy and will work as one after putting aside competitiveness. The MDP introduced political parties in the Maldives and worked to conduct peaceful political activities in the country, he said.
President Solih further said there would be minor issues that arise during campaigns. However, he does hold them to heart, he said, urging everyone to work together to win the upcoming presidential election.
President SOlih, who will contest seeking re-election in September's presidential election, said he received assistance from many over the past month. He thanked all who assisted him in his campaign. He added that some things had to be postponed as it was an internal election but that MDP's unity would make the next phase easier.
The President reminded that MDP is committed to protecting the peace and fundamental rights of the people in the Maldives. He asked party members to unite again and work to win the presidential election easily. He said it would be easier to win the presidential election than the MDP presidential primary.
