President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that he still believes a presidential system would be better for Maldives, but that MDP will make a decision on the party's stand.

At a press conference at the President's Office today for the first time since his defeat in last Saturday's presidential election, the President said, “I personally believe and think that the most beneficial way for the country is the presidential system."

The people should determine the system of government in Maldives, he said, adding that it is necessary to do so at the moment. He said that MDP would decide on the matter and would proceed with the party's views on the matter.

However, referring to the presidential election held on Saturday, President Solih said that a person has now been elected as the President of the Maldives for a five-year term. Therefore, he does not think it is right to amend the Constitution that limits the five-year term to an elected President.

The President said that on the issue of the system of government, the opinion of the MDP National Assembly seems to be against it. 99 percent of the National Assembly is against changing the system of government to a parliamentary system, he said.

The Parliament has asked the Election Commission to hold a referendum before the 30th of this month to determine the system of government in the Maldives. The Election Commission has submitted a letter to Parliament seeking legal advice on the wording of the ballot paper, awareness campaign and budget.