Speaker of the Parliament and former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed has stated that his popularity has not dwindled in recent months. Nasheed made the statement while speaking regarding main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s disappointing performance in Saturday's Local Council Election.
MDP enjoyed the full majority and mayorship of the three City Council over the councils' past three terms. However, during this year's election, MDP candidates failed to win any seats on the Male' City Council against candidates from opposing Progressive's Party of Maldives. PPM won all 14 seats on the council.
Addressing concerns that MDP's popularity is dwindling among the public, Nasheed said he does not believe MDP lost votes or that his popularity among party members was decreasing.
"I do not believe today that we may not get votes, neither do I believe that the personal support I receive from party members have taken a hit. I do not believe I should step aside [from politics], instead, I need to increase my engagement. I am ready to engage even more," said Nasheed.
