President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated he will not be a slave to anyone or any group, assuring he will always listen to everyone. He made the remarks at a campaign gathering held for the upcoming presidential primary election of the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
At the campaign gathering, President Solih widely criticised Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, his competitor in the primary. There is a lot of rivalry between both of them in the current political situation, and many believe the rivalry is due to President Solih not giving heed to what Nasheed wants, including differences over changing the governing system of the Maldives.
During the gathering held to launch his campaign, President Solih assured that he will always listen to everyone rather than do what a certain group of people want. He also assured the decisions will be made after discussions held with fellow party members, the cabinet, and the Parliament. He said he would decide everything in the best interest of the people.
Furthermore, President Solih said he has come out with the experience of winning elections, noting he had won six elections so far and is showing an exemplary government to the people. He said he knows how to win elections and the formula to win the votes of the people. He said there is an absolute certainty that he will win the upcoming presidential election, adding that the first step is to win the primary. He also noted that all governments have come from a coalition and it is important to maintain the ruling coalition.
An opposition rally initiated by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) calling for the release of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom following his conviction and imprisonment was held opposite the campaign venue while President Solih was addressing the MDP members.