Solih meets MDP members in F. Magoodhoo

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met with members of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in Magoodhoo island of Faafu atoll.

Solih met with MDP members from Magoodhoo on Monday during his ongoing visit to the island.

At the meeting, Solih was accompanied by former MP for Bilehdhoo constituency Ahmed Haleem, former Environment Minister Aminath Shauna, and former MP for Alifushi constituency Mohamed Rasheed Hussain.

Speaking at the meeting, Solih said that MDP members need to work as a unified force. He also noted that this is a time MDP members need to do a lot of work following the presidential election and parliamentary elections.

Solih also voiced concern over the suspension of the Magoodhoo Airport project, claiming that the initiative was one of the first development efforts halted by the current administration under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking at a gathering in Magoodhoo, Solih said the project, which was initially contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), was slated for completion by May 2024. However, he alleged that the new administration stopped the work shortly after taking office, acting on what he described as the president’s personal decision.

Solih emphasized the importance of MDP securing victory in the upcoming 2026 local council elections, noting that preparations and grassroots activities must be intensified in Magoodhoo and across the country. He added that he would consult with party leaders on strategies to strengthen MDP's presence and ensure continued engagement with local communities, even while in opposition.

Solih assured that MDP is committed to Magoodhoo’s development, regardless of whether they are in power or not.

Also speaking at the event, Mohamed Rasheed Hussain expressed confidence that the party would return to power. He criticized the current administration for halting development projects initiated under the MDP government, including in Magoodhoo, and pledged that the party would resume this work if returned to office.

He described the upcoming local council election as a critical opportunity for the MDP to “set a milestone,” highlighting the party’s long-standing commitment to decentralization and the protection of citizens' rights. He stressed the importance of preparing not just for the council elections, but also for the next presidential race.

The former lawmaker stressed that the MDP government served the people well for five years, and that there is clear disappointment over the loss of that government. Bigey said unified work must be carried out to restore it.

Magoodhoo has been a stronghold of MDP support and remains one of the party’s most active islands. MDP currently holds the majority of seats in the island council.