Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced his ambition to contest for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s presidential ticket in the party’s upcoming primary election.

The announcement was made during a private dinner held tonight with long-time supporters.

The news was publicly shared with the members by Solih’s cousin, former Alifushi MP Mohamed Rasheed.

The gathering was attended by several prominent figures from Solih’s former administration, including former Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Aslam, who was his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

Solih’s decision comes on the eve of a major MDP event scheduled for tomorrow, which will celebrate the rejoining of former President Mohamed Nasheed to the party.

Nasheed, who previously left the MDP to form the Democrats following a rift with Solih, is also reported to be considering a bid for the presidency and has been consulting senior members from both MDP and the Democrats.

In the 2023 presidential primaries, Solih and Nasheed both contested for the MDP ticket, with Solih emerging victorious.

Their political alliance dissolved shortly thereafter, leading to the formation of the Democrats by Nasheed and his loyalists.

As the MDP prepares for its internal primaries, both Solih and Nasheed appear poised to renew their rivalry in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential election.