Senior officials of Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) have revealed that Speaker of Parliament and MDP President, Mohamed Nasheed will contest in the MDP Presidential Primary in order to run for the 2023 Presidential Election.

A member of MDP Parliamentary Group revealed to One Online that even though he did not consider contesting in the MDP Presidential Primary, he has currently set his mind on doing so and is campaigning within the party.

The lawmaker who spoke to One Online on the condition of anonymity revealed that Speaker Nasheed would run for presidency regardless of what happens. They highlighted that neither the rift between Speaker Nasheed and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih nor the growing distaste between each other's supporters would become a deal breaker for Nasheed.

Answering a question posed during the third program of the 'Ask Speaker' series, Nasheed noted that he will contest in the MDP Presidential Primary in order to run for the Presidency.

Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla had also announced that Nasheed will contest in the primary during the campaign for MP Mohamed Imthiyaz's bid for MDP Chairmanship.

While Nasheed is likely to contest at the primary, close sources to President Solih also reveal that he would run for a second term. The rift between both Speaker Nasheed and President Solih had created two factions within the party including their supporters, with their arguments becoming heated over time.

MDP is yet to finalize and announce a date for their primary, though sources note that it would likely take place early next year.