Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that MDP will host a primary in 2023, adding that he will compete and emerge victorious to become the 2023 MDP candidate for Presidency.

Answering a question during the third program of "Ask Speak", Speaker Nasheed said that an internal primary will be conducted by MDP to decide on their presidential candidate for 2023. He added that he will compete in the primary, and emerge victorious as the MDP candidate for Presidency in 2023.

He also said that he will support whatever candidate is chosen as the MDP candidate, should he lose the primary.

He further noted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has made no indication that he would contest in the primary, however, he stressed that in the event that he is not able to compete, he will support President Solih.

Speaker Nasheed also said that he does not believe that it is a good idea to hold presidential elections in the Maldives, and that the constitution needs to be amended. He also added that a referendum needs to be held next year to decide on a governing system.

Speaker Nasheed highlighted that a parliamentary system will have good effects on citizens, noting that it will speed up the development process.