Maldives Ex-Pres Nasheed Rules Out Presidential Bid

Former President and Chairperson of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed has firmly stated that it is not appropriate for a party chairman to seek the presidential ticket, while confirming that preparations are underway to amend the MDP constitution to prevent incumbents from contesting presidential elections.

Speaking at a news conference at the MDP office, Nasheed announced that the party will hold its congress in September, where any constitutional changes regarding presidential candidate eligibility would be decided.

The preparations are underway to hold the MDP congress in September, and if a change is made to the constitution, it will be decided at the congress, Nasheed said, agreeing that it would not be good for a person serving as chairman to contest for the presidential ticket.

The proposed constitutional amendment has been advocated by supporters of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who see it as a way to prevent the incumbent from seeking re-election. The change would represent a significant shift in the party's presidential nomination process.

Nasheed had previously stated he did not intend to run for the presidency and announced his support for former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail. However, he has since denied rumors that his relationship with Fayyaz has deteriorated since becoming Chairperson.

Under the Revolution policy championed by Nasheed, the country would see two separate heads of state and government—a structural reform that both Nasheed and Fayyaz have agreed to pursue and support each other in implementing. Nasheed has expressed interest in serving as head of state following this change, while Fayyaz would assume the role of head of government.

Currently, only Fayyaz has officially announced his intention to contest the MDP presidential ticket. However, former President Solih and party president and former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid are also expected to seek the nomination.

In a separate political development, Nasheed revealed that the coalition of three former presidents—himself, Abdulla Yameen, and Solih have stalled. The coalition was formalised through a memorandum of understanding focusing on defending freedom of the press and expression, with the three leaders agreeing to develop joint strategies and timelines with a group of experts.

A committee of representatives was established to implement this cooperation. The MDP and PNF have officially supported the three-president alliance.

The three-presidents' committee has held two meetings thus far, though Nasheed acknowledged the work has not progressed as swiftly as hoped. When asked by journalists whether the coalition work had stopped altogether, Nasheed revealed that he could not confirm that it had ceased.

Recently, former President Yameen faced criticism from his supporters regarding the coalition. When questioned whether the three-president alliance had been overshadowed by these developments, Nasheed was emphatic that the work would not be stymied due to opinions expressed by one president about another.

Our meeting will not be overshadowed by an opinion expressed by one president about another president. There will be no obstacle, Nasheed said.

Politicians are talking about politics for political purposes, and that is not our concern.

Nasheed acknowledged that coalition work is inherently challenging, but expressed confidence that three presidents with shared concerns could understand the importance of working together on key issues.

The three former presidents have met only once so far since forming the coalition.