President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that his Maldivian Democratic Party - MDP, is firmer and stronger even without “a special someone” in his political establishment.

He made the statement today in Addu City, which is believed to be directed against the secessionist faction within his party that had formed months back behind former President Nasheed under the name “Revival of a Thought” - probably inspired by Greek mythology where a phoenix rises from the ashes of its predecessor.

Speaking to active members of the party today in Addu City, President Solih said that the presidential election is closing in and that political leaders will during this short period decide where they will take their flight to , land and move.

“Come what may, MDP will stand firmer and stronger as it ought to be”, said President Solih. “MDP will not be weaker with or without a ‘special someone” , President Solih added. Also, MDP’s core values and principles cannot be alienated from the party or that the fundamentals be taken away with the deserters. President Solih promised that, MDP will always keep progressing on the fundamentals of the party which in the end will benefit the country holistically.

President Solih said that MDP is gearing up for the election and that inputs for his manifesto are being collected from all over the country. “I foresee MDP overwhelmingly winning the election”, President Solih expressed his intuition to the audience.

President Solih today said that his official visit to Addu City was to launch two very special projects - a land reclamation project and an airport expansion project, in the city and that the projects will be carried out with the participation of the people.

As his first term nears its end, President Solih is satisfied that he had been able to deliver ninety-percent of all his presidential pledges that he made to the people. He believes that his team has proven to be a performance-oriented government.