MDP President Abdulla Shahid has announced that he will contest the party's primary to select its candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
Shahid announced his candidacy at a gathering in Addu City, Hithadhoo, stating Maldivians are facing serious economic and social challenges and that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) can address them.
He said MDP members have consistently been at the forefront of bringing about the changes demanded by the public.
Shahid, a former Foreign Minister and former President of the United Nations General Assembly, said he decided to contest the primary with the aim of winning the 2028 presidential election for the MDP.
He said he would be able to work with members across the party's different ideological groups if he wins the MDP ticket.
"To change the situation that the Maldives is in today, it is time to work with the public and MDP members with fervor and courage.
Therefore, with the determination to win the 2028 presidential election for the MDP, with the grace of Allah, I am announcing my bid for the presidential primary," Shahid said.
He said his administration would prioritize the interests of the entire country and provide equal opportunities to all citizens.
"A person who will put the interests of the entire country first, protect them and provide a government with fair and equal opportunities for the people," he said.
Shahid also stressed the importance of maintaining democratic principles within the MDP, saying the party had played a key role in establishing democratic principles in the Maldives.
He said the party's internal elections must remain free, fair and equal and that its democratic principles must be upheld.
Shahid resigned as MDP president on Friday night, saying he did not believe it was appropriate to contest an internal election while holding a senior position in the party.
"I have worked in this manner during my tenure as party president. Therefore, with the announcement of my contest in the MDP presidential primary, I have resigned as party president with effect from today," Shahid said.
Shahid served as foreign minister under former presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He began his political career under Gayoom, led Gayoom's first political party, the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), and later served as speaker of parliament.
