Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has congratulated Former President Mohamed Nasheed over the phone.

Solih congratulated Nasheed on rejoining main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) after two years.

Solih, who is currently abroad, called to congratulate Nasheed and also welcomed the members who left The Democrats to rejoin MDP.

A special gathering was held at Sultan Park on Monday night in connection with Nasheed rejoining MDP.

Nasheed formally left the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on 21 June 2023, citing concerns over the state of national affairs. In his resignation statement, Nasheed said he no longer believed remaining with MDP was the right choice given the country’s prevailing circumstances.

Solih also took to social media platform ‘X’ to welcome the decision made by the former president and members of The Democrats to rejoin MDP.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’ on June 19, Solih welcome the members and stated that they must remain steadfast in the true faith of Islam, uphold the principles of democracy, and always prioritize the interests of the people.

In addition to this, Solih included a poetic verse in his post, writing that countless obstacles and difficulties may arise, but we must begin to forge ahead without retreating, heed the national appeals with goodwill, always strive to pave a new path forward.

Previously, Solih had also appealed to members who had left MDP to return to the party.

During MDP's anniversary in 2024, President Solih participated in RaajjeTV's "Fashaairu" morning talk show, where he stated that MDP is a party founded collectively and belongs to everyone.

Further, he urged that any previous issues, including any problems with him personally, should be set aside to move forward for the sake of the island nation. He also mentioned that the work started by MDP several years ago has not yet reached its conclusion.

In addition to this, Solih emphasized the importance of MDP remaining united, with all members working together and moving forward collectively.

As Nasheed, who previously served as the MDP's leader, and many other prominent figures who were actively involved in the party have decided to rejoin MDP, the party has also stated that they will welcome these individuals back.

With the return of Mohamed Nasheed, who is a founding figure of MDP and the Maldives' first democratically elected president, political analysts anticipate significant shifts within the party’s internal dynamics and broader political strategy.

Many senior members of MDP and members of the party's Parliamentary Group participated in Monday’s ceremony. Also in attendance were senior figures who had left MDP to form a party called The Democrats, but who rejoined the MDP on Tuesday night.