President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has remarked that it is Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) leader, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed who is operating out of greed for power.
President Solih indirectly lambasted Nasheed whilst speaking at a campaign event for MDP’s presidential primary on Wednesday night at Hulhumale’.
In his visit to Baa Atoll as part of his campaign tour for MDP’s presidential primary – Nasheed criticized President Solih alleging he was greedy for power. He also claimed President Solih was talking about amending the constitution after the conclusion of a second term as he looks forward to the same at the conclusion of his current term.
Refuting Nasheed’s claims – President Solih said that he does not wish for a third presidential term. He also emphasized on his intention to back down from leadership even if the governance system is changed to a parliamentary system.
“I am a supporter of the presidential system. Had I been a supporter of the parliamentary system, I would not have contested in a presidential election. Therewith, please cast your vote in the upcoming primary after careful consideration,” he said.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at a campaign event for MDP's presidential primary at Hulhumale' on January 12, 2023.
President Solih denied being greedy for power – indirectly adding it was Nasheed who in reality was greedy for power.
“Power, nothing else but power. Will know who wants to come to power, whether be it by changing the governance system or the constitution,” he remarked.
President Solih said that he was appointed president not with just the support of one person, but rather roughly 138,000 people.
“I was not elected to this post with the support of just one person. With the support and votes of thousands of people. I am only able to remain in this post, not with the support of just one person, but the support of and well-wishes of you all,” he said.
The two leaders of MDP are campaigning for its presidential primary which has a confirmed voters list of 57,255 people. Voting in the primary is scheduled for January 28th.
