Last night, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih voiced his discontent regarding former President Mohamed Nasheed's candidacy for the MDP Chairperson position, arguing that the chance should instead be offered to cultivate new leaders.

Nasheed's rival in the Chairperson election, South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, traveled to Lh. Hinnavaru yesterday during the course of his campaign. Solih joined Meekail's campaign for the first time, traveling with him to his island of origin.

During a rally in Hinnavaru, Solih stated that to achieve positive change, the party needs to advocate for introducing new leadership with different individuals. Solih expressed his conviction that Nasheed ought not to run in this election.

"I am not criticizing Nasheed in any manner." "Nor is it that I don't value all the efforts he has made," said Solih.

Solih stated that Nasheed ought to focus on the United Democratic Front's efforts, created with Solih and ex-President Abdulla Yameen, instead of the Chairperson election.

He reiterated Nasheed's statements from a recent rally, emphasizing that a government shift is essential and will demand considerable effort.

Solih noted that youth involvement in politics is rising and cautioned that not transferring MDP's leadership to the younger generation would deprive young members of their opportunity to lead. He mentioned that he wishes to avoid the prolonged leadership stagnation the nation faced under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's 30-year tenure, noting that history demonstrates the importance of enabling new leaders to rise.

"Therefore, we need to share this change with others and move ahead together," Solih stated.

Solih mentioned that MDP will celebrate its 21st anniversary next month and expressed his hope that the two presidents elected by the party, along with former speakers, deputy speakers, and former party chairs, will unite to transfer the party's leadership to a new team.

"Picture our group positioned with confidence at that moment." On that day, I desire to witness leadership transferred to new hands. "That’s the reason I back Meekail," he stated.

Solih mentioned that Nasheed is a prominent political leader within MDP, having been the party's first chairperson, and has held the positions of President of the Maldives, MDP, and Parliament Speaker. He stated that it is a point of pride that there are young individuals in the party willing to challenge even such prominent figures in an election.