Nasheed's call for Solih and himself to sit out 2028 elections sparks discord in MDP leadership

An internal rift has emerged within the leadership of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) following a dialogue started by former President Mohamed Nasheed, who suggested that both he and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih should not contest the 2028 presidential election.

Nasheed proposed to an internal MDP National Council WhatsApp group that both he and Solih should step aside for another candidate in the 2028 presidential election. He expressed that he had previously decided to not contest in the 2023 election, instead offering the opportunity to Solih twice, which Solih and his close associates did not agree with.

"They did not like that idea and became overly confident that they could win the election without us, which led to the entire situation being ruined," Nasheed stated.

Nasheed made this comment referencing a statement made by Fayyaz Ismail, who today resigned as the Chairperson of the MDP.

In response, Solih replied to both individuals in the group, stating that the remarks made now now regarding the 2023 presidential election "is only a part of the discussions that took place."

"I am holding back from disclosing all the details for the sake of party harmony," Solih stated in his message. He added in the same message that this is the time for everyone to unite and move forward with the party.

Fayyaz then responded to Solih’s remarks in the group. Fayyaz stated that if Solih's comments were about the discussions mediated by him between Nasheed and Solih regarding the 2023 presidential election, then that was a "definite lie."

In his message, Fayyaz stated, "What they call 'honour among thieves' must be practised to an extent even in politics".

The phrase "honour among thieves" is an English idiom used to suggest that even among dishonest people, there are often unwritten rules of conduct, trust, and honesty they adhere to among themselves.