Defence Minister Mariya Didi has endorsed President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as the presidential candidate for the presidential election in 2023 on Tuesday.
In a Tweet, she said she have found President Solih to be a great team leader and willing to listen with an open mind in her time as a cabinet member since 17 Nov 2018.
"I fully endorse him and support his candidacy in his presidential bid for 2023," she had said, ending her statement.
President Solih had announced last week that he was prepared to run for a second term in the presidential election held next year.
I have worked with HEP @ibusolih as part of his cabinet from 17 Nov 2018 & found him to be a great team leader, patient, willing to listen with an open mind but decisive when needed. I fully endorse him and support his candidacy in his presidential bid for 2023.
— Mariya Didi 🎈 (@MariyaDidi) June 14, 2022
Mariya is a close friend of the President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. She is also a close friend of the president. At a time when the internal politics of MDP appears to be split, it is predicted that Mariya's decision will lead to a lot of further internal conflict and discussion as well.
Nasheed has also expressed interest that he plans to run for presidency.
Mariya's endorsement is expected be reflective that the cabinet has decided to carry out the president's campaign.
The President said that no political party can win a presidential election alone. He said that similar to the 2018 election, he will win the 2023 election with the coalition. the coalition is with him.
"If MDP wants to remain in office, I am the choice," he said.
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