President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed his intention to contest for a second term in office, during the presidential election to be held next year. The president made the remarks at a press conference held at the President’s Office on June 8.
In response to a question on plans to contest for a second term in office, President Solih said it is crucial that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) remains in power in order to continue implementing the party’s development vision for the country. However, noting that no party is able to win a presidential election by itself, the president said MDP will look to lead a multi-party coalition to win the election next year. The president added he is a choice as MDP’s presidential candidate, noting the final decision will be taken by the party’s congress.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament and former President Mohamed Nasheed has also announced his intention to contest in MDP’s primary for the presidential election. Nasheed has also spoken of his intention to begin efforts to change the system of governance in the Maldives to a parliamentary system.