The sole contender for The Democrats primary, Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb has said he would have the full discretion to decide things even when seeking the advice of former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Responding to questions from the public at an event with supporters on Saturday night, Ilyas said that Nasheed was his "political teacher" and "political mentor".
"I will go forward behind him and remain behind him in the future. There's no way I can get in front of him," he said.
Ilyas spoke on Adhadhu's 'Etherefuh' program Sunday night and said he would have full power and authority to make decisions while in office.
"I will not be seen [as a man of any particular person]. I will be seen as the president who represents the Democrats. I will be seen as someone who holds the principles, rules and beliefs of the party," said Ilyas, who is serving his third term as a member of parliament.
Ilyas and Nasheed.
He said that his work as a member of parliament, as chairman of the SOE committee in parliament and as a political activist is based on consultation and advice.
“I will seek the opinions of former presidents and elders. In order to build the nation, I should seek the opinions and consultations of experts in various fields,” Ilyas stated.
Ilyas claimed that he was getting Nasheed's opinion in the same way.
“I will seek the advice and guidance of the party. If I begin to walk the wrong path, the party will be able to guide me. Currently, President Mohamed Nasheed is the most senior leader in the party."
Nasheed, who led the formation of The Democrats was also a co-founder of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). He was the presidential candidate chosen by the MDP's primary in 2008, 2013 and 2018.
But as Nasheed was serving a jail sentence in 2018, the MDP congress decided to award the ticket to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who was the party's parliamentary group leader at the time.
Since assuming office, the MDP's internal organs have been under President Solih's control. He also won internal elections including the MDP's presidential primary to secure the party's ticket.
