Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has emphasized that attention should now shift from presidential politics to preparations for the upcoming council elections.

He made these remarks while speaking on RaajjeTV's "Fala Surukhee" programme on Thursday night.

The ex-president said that the question of contesting in the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s presidential primary is not even an appropriate question to ask on MDP's anniversary.

Solih remarked that with former members returning to collaborate with MDP, now is not the appropriate time to raise questions about the presidential election.

He stressed that the immediate priority is finding common ground for cooperation, adding that the focus must remain on maintaining unity ahead of the upcoming council elections.

Solih stated that discussions about contesting the 2028 presidential election will take place at a later stage. While acknowledging that some individuals are already laying the groundwork, he urged them to set those efforts aside for now and instead focus on working together for the 2026 council elections.