Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate and current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called on the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) to avoid becoming a party that prioritizes the interests of a single individual.
President Solih has extended an invitation to the main opposition, urging them to take part in this year's presidential election.
While speaking to Dhaalu atoll Meedhoo locals during his campaign visit, President Solih raised concerns over the lack of the opposition party’s presidential campaign efforts. He described this as a significant loss for both the party and country.
He highlighted that a competitive political landscape can only be achieved through the active and equal participation of all political parties.
"PPM is currently attempting to boycott the election. What we are witnessing is the party's effort to safeguard the rights of a particular individual," President Solih said during his address.
He further asserted that the ruling party had previously encountered a situation similar to the current plight of PPM. He alluded to MDP's history when its founder and Parliament Speaker, Mohamed Nasheed, parted ways to establish The Democrats. President Solih emphasized that the ruling party had chosen not to prioritize the personal agenda of one individual over the rights of its members.
"The leaders of MDP had to rise above these challenges, and today the party ensures equal opportunities for all," President Solih.
President Solih's statement was in response to former President Abdulla Yameen's earlier call to boycott the elections after his Supreme Court defeat. On Sunday, August 6, the court upheld the Elections Commission's decision to reject Yameen's candidacy due to his constitutional ineligibility.
However, on Monday, August 7, Yameen's legal team informed that the Yameen had changed his stance and accepted the decision of the opposition coalition's senate to participate in the election.
PPM's coalition partner, People's National Congress (PNC), made the decision to participate in the elections after Yameen's candidacy was rejected. The party amended its regulations and selected Malé City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as its presidential candidate. Dr. Muizzu officially joined the party last Thursday by signing up as a member.
Following this, Dr. Muizzu submitted his candidacy form to EC on Monday. During the ceremony, PNC leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that Dr. Muizzu had received the endorsement of the former president, Yameen.
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