Presidential candidate for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), former president Mohamed Nasheed has accepted defeat after losing the presidential runoff held on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference in Male' City Hall shortly after the results of individual ballot boxes were announced, Nasheed said that he accepts that MDP failed because of him and that it was he who failed the election.
“I am clearly defeated. I have to take responsibility for the defeat. Not the campaign. They worked very hard,” Nasheed said.
He said MDP lost with a difference of 5000 votes and that this is something that needs to be given considerable thought. “I sincerely believe I lost,” Nasheed said and said that he will continue with MDP in the future.
Noting that the party’s parliamentary group is the body to decide a way forward in parliament, Nasheed said MDP should now focus on becoming “an opposition party sincere to the State.”
“This is an opportunity to show the people how a competent opposition political party functions. It will be greatly pleasing to see MDP continue as an opposition party sincere to the State,” Nasheed said.
When asked if he will run in the next presidential election, Nasheed said it is too early for such a decision.
He said that MDP must not be disheartened, but should focus on winning the upcoming local council and parliamentary elections. When asked of his future role in the front lines of MDP, Nasheed said a party chairperson already exists, but said MDP should elect a president and vice president soon. He said the party’s structure is solid and that MDP shall continue forward in the days to come. Today is joyous, Nasheed said, because the country today has a new opportunity to be led by an elected government. He said MDP has always urged for an elected government to lead the country.
Former president Mohamed Nasheed said he hopes for the country’s condition to improve and said he will allow space for president-elect Abdulla Yameen to get the country back on track.