Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has said that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih did not seek his endorsement for the second round of the presidential election.
Responding to a question from Adhadhu during a press conference held at parliament today, Nasheed said his party has decided its stance for the run-off, which is to not support either candidate.
After a meeting with Nasheed at the President's Office earlier on Sunday morning, President Solih told reporters that Nasheed maintained the party's neutral stance. But the president said he asked for Nasheed's endorsement in his personal capacity.
"We talked about that [Nasheed's individual endorsement]. We will reveal details later," Solih said.
Asked about the president's request, Nasheed denied Solih's claim.
"I've said very clearly, no, he didn't," Nasheed said.
Nasheed said "no" again when the question was repeated with reference to Solih's remarks to the press.
Asked repeatedly by several journalists about which candidate he would support in the second round, Nasheed said he supported The Democrats candidate Ilyas Labeeb in the presidential election and continues to do so.
"Our party has made a decision. Like I said, I support Ilyas Labeeb. I still support Ilyas Labeeb," he said.
If Ilyas's name is on the ballot for any reason, Nasheed said he would still support the party's candidate.
The only way Ilyas can now advance to the second round is if one of the two top candidates drops out of the race.
