Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson, former President Mohamed Nasheed, has said that he sees no reason why former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih should be running for the party's presidential ticket.

Speaking on SSTV's 'Baaru Hathareh' program, Nasheed said that he is aware that many back him to run for the party's presidential ticket, but asserted that in this round, he remains committed to endorsing Fayyaz Ismail as he previously announced. 

The program's presenter then asked Nasheed if he would still not run for the ticket even if Solih does. 

"... I honestly cannot think of a reason why Solih, either, should be running for the ticket," Nasheed responded.

Nasheed asserted that regardless of who else runs for the MDP presidential ticket, he will continue to endorse Fayyaz. 

The 'Bodu Badhalu' [Major Change] manifesto earlier announced by Nasheed and Fayyaz include endorsing Fayyaz for the presidential ticket, and shifting to a hybrid governance system in the Maldives where Head of State and Head of Government are two distinct roles.

The proposed change is a hybrid model which borrows heavily from both presidential and parliamentary governance systems. 

The show's presenter went on to point out that there is still speculation that Nasheed may yet go on to contest in the presidential primaries, and asked if this could still come to be. 

"I reiterate that this time I am committed to fully endorsing Fayyaz. We can go on at length about this, or keep it short. But the fact remains that I endorse Fayyaz," Nasheed replied.

Nasheed was then asked if he believed it is just for him to back a particular candidate while serving as the party's chairperson, and whether he believes this stance would disadvantage other candidates. 

He countered that the role of the chairperson in primaries is minimal, and went on to add that he had been open about his decision to back Fayyaz even when he campaigned for the chairperson post. 

As of now, Fayyaz and former Foreign Minister and MDP President Abdulla Shahid have formally announced their intention to run in the presidential primaries. Solih has also been discussing the possibility with close associates, but has not publicly announced a decision yet.