In an interview on Raajje TV’s "Fashaairu" program, when asked whether he has not yet made a decision about contesting the election, Solih said that revealing his intentions too early could lead to more harm than good.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) has not directly answered whether he intends to contest the 2028 presidential election, stating that he will share his views on the matter at a later time.
In an interview on Raajje TV’s "Fashaairu" program, Solih said that he had discussed his political future with the leadership of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and informed them of his plans, although he did not elaborate on those during the interview.
Solih said that "four or five" MDP members have already expressed interest in contesting the party’s presidential primary, calling it a positive development and emphasizing the importance of holding a competitive internal election.
He stated that, regardless of his own political ambitions, it is crucial for the party to move forward and continue its work.
When pressed about whether he was stepping aside to allow other potential candidates a chance, Solih said that he has told everyone to "move forward".
When asked whether he has not yet made a decision about contesting the election, Solih said that revealing his intentions too early could lead to more harm than good.
However, he said that he will make his final decision public when the time is right.
"I will not be an obstacle to MDP winning the presidential race," Solih said.
Earlier, Solih's stance on not supporting a parliamentary system caused internal party tensions, leading to a split in MDP. Former President Mohamed Nasheed formed a new party, The Democrats, after losing the MDP's presidential primary, and worked to challenge Solih’s government.
The Democrats did not support either the MDP or the then opposition Progressive Party of Maldives-People’s National Congress (PPM/PNC) coalition in the second round of the 2023 presidential election.
Former President Abdulla Yameen has stated that he will contest the 2028 election if he is not imprisoned.
However, incumbent President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has yet to announce whether he intends to seek a second term.
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