President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that he is currently focused on making the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) into a strong opposition party.
Speaking to reporters for the first time after his election defeat, Solih said a strong opposition party is needed to strengthen democracy.
"I think the MDP is a party that can [hold the government accountable]. So it is not my position [in the party] that is important at the moment. I am doing what I have to do to hold the government accountable, to serve the people and to keep the MDP strong," he said.
He said preparations were now underway for next year's parliamentary elections.
During the presidential election campaign, Solih said he would retire after a second term if re-elected.
But Solih on Monday said he would appear in political activities through the opposition party to hold the new government accountable.
