Parliament Speaker and a key figure of the Democrats, Mohamed Nasheed, has said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will receive only 15 percent of votes in the upcoming presidential election.
Speaking at a campaign event in Haa Dhaalu Nolhivaram on Thursday, Nasheed said the lack of support for President Solih is evident when he visits the islands for campaigning. Noting that the police obstructed those who opposed the president during his campaign tours, Nasheed heavily criticized the actions of the police.
Nasheed said how President Solih operates himself is not how a president should conduct himself. He added that freedom of expression and assembly is key to bringing about development. However, since resident Solih was elected to office, his number one priority has been consolidating power, rather than fostering these values, said Nasheed.
"He was of the belief that any acceptance of my viewpoints would cast a shadow over his authority, rendering his image as weak and powerless," Nasheed, who was a member of the main-ruling MDP until recently, said.
Nasheed went on to share that President Solih had received counsel from various parties advising him to distance himself from Nasheed. However, he had no concerns regarding the matter, he stated.
