Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) can win the 2028 presidential election if it remains united, adding that such a victory would allow the party to “shine for the whole world”.

Speaking at a campaign event last night, Nasheed, who is contesting for MDP Chairperson said he aims to lead the party back to power.

“We can do that. This is work the party knows very well,” he said.

“As MDP chair, we can make that journey together.”

“God willing, we will succeed.”

Nasheed said MDP also had a responsibility to demonstrate to the world how governments can be changed through peaceful political movements.

“We have the experience of changing a dictatorship through peaceful means. The Maldives is an example of that,” he said.

He added that the party could once again achieve victory through non-violent political movements.

Nasheed said the country needs change and that his return to active politics was driven by public demand.

“The purpose of a political party is to protect people’s rights and improve their lives,” he said.

He also criticized the current constitutional framework, describing it as one that still reflects concentrated executive power.

“The constitution is an agreement between the people and those who govern them,” he said, adding that reforms were needed.

Nasheed has proposed a series of constitutional changes as part of his campaign, including reforms to the system of governance, the structure of parliament and the process for dismissing supreme court judges.

Following the rally at the MDP headquarters, Nasheed walked through the streets with a large group of supporters, many of them young people.