President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated him remaining in his position is the main point of contention between him and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed.
Speaking at a press conference, President Solih said that the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has a chance of winning the presidential election with him as the candidate. He also said that he and Speaker Nasheed have disagreements but it does not interfere with their work. He noted that he had voiced disagreements on some decisions made by Nasheed when he was President and that Nasheed had made his decisions after holding extensive discussions with his advisors. He said that he also makes decisions under the coalition government in a way that benefits the most people.
Additionally, President Solih said that Nasheed wants the presidency and that it is the only point of contention between them. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming presidential election and said that he is the most likely MDP candidate to win. He also said that it was unlikely that a candidate of any one party can win the election and expressed confidence that he would be able to win with support from a coalition of parties.
President Solih and Speaker Nasheed are the only candidates contesting in the MDP primary election to be held on January 28.