Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has said she does not want to see President Solih and Speaker Nasheed contest in MDP primary against each other.

Speaking at President Solih's campaign meeting on Thursday night, Minister Mariya said multiple Male' residents wonder what Nasheed is lacking as Speaker of Parliament and MDP's President that he wants to contest in MDP primary.

"I am someone who likes to criticise opposition. A lot of people call me the lead woman of this party. As such, I do not wish to see the party's president contesting in internal elections," Mariya said.

Mariya said that despite the criticism by the public, President Solih has fulfilled his pledges to the public. She added that although numerous MDP members dislike the idea of a coalition, no single party can form a government by themselves.

She further said that the public does not support a one-party government either, which is evident from every election.

"We have to admit that no single party can get 50% votes during an election. Anyone contesting would need 50% plus 1 vote to get a majority, which is not doable. This is why we see so many people support a parliamentary system as well," Mariya said.

She said that it is crucial to have as much support as possible when someone contests in the presidential elections. She said that the audit reports by AGO show that MDP is a corruption free government, and this is evident from MDP's budget reports as well.

"All I have to say is this is not because of a certain person in leadership. This is what the government stands for - to ensure that things go according to the plans and budgets passed by the parliament," Mariya said.

Mariya added that it was surprising for Nasheed to say that President Solih does not 'react' and that MDP has never been a party that 'reacted' to things but more a 'proactive' party.

Mariya further added that the congestion in Male' can only be lessened through the 'Jazeera Manifesto' put forth by MDP.