Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said last night that he supports Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem in the upcoming election for MDP chairperson.

Solih made the remarks during a joint press conference held by former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen and Solih following their meeting last night.

Reporters questioned Solih about the MDP chairperson election, in which Nasheed is also contesting.

Despite Nasheed’s candidacy, Solih said his support remained with Meekail.

“Nasheed came into the race later. Meekail announced his candidacy three months ago. I expressed support for him back then,” Solih said.

“My support remains the same.”

The MDP chairperson election has seen divisions between factions aligned with Nasheed and Solih. Several of Solih’s close allies and senior figures within his camp are backing Meekail’s campaign.

Meanwhile, former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, once seen as a close ally of Solih, is campaigning in support of Nasheed.

Although Solih and Nasheed remain divided internally within the MDP, both appeared alongside former President Abdulla Yameen as part of a joint effort opposing what they described as government restrictions on press freedom and freedom of expression.

The three leaders said that despite their political differences, they were united in opposing actions they believe undermine democratic freedoms.