Several media outlets reported today that Solih would enter the race. Yet the former president himself has offered no public comment on the matter, and no official statement has been issued from his office — a silence that has only added to the uncertainty around his plans.

The speculation surrounding Solih’s intentions comes at a moment when other senior figures in the MDP leadership have already declared their interest in the ticket. Party President Abdulla Shahid and Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail are both actively campaigning for the nomination. Shahid is scheduled to travel to Addu this weekend for the formal launch of his presidential campaign.

Political analysts tracking the party suggest Solih is likely to spend the coming period quietly working to shore up support within the MDP base before publicly committing either way — a calculation that may explain the mixed signals emerging around his intentions.

Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has also expressed interest in contesting the MDP primary, adding another name to a growing field of contenders.