While former Vice President of Maldives Faisal Naseem has an interest in running for the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) presidential primary, party members have criticized Naseem's short tenure in MDP which lead to former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's (Ibu) younger brother Ali Niyaz coming to his defense.
Even though Naseem has been working with people close to him for MDP's presidential ticket, no official announcement has been made. However, Naseem and Solih held a discussion yesterday between themselves regarding the election.
MDP activist Ashjau Waheed wrote on X that Naseem has not been a member of MDP for three years and "has never in his life" been a member of MDP's National Council. His post questioned what the reasoning is for him to run in MDP's presidential primary. Ashjau Waheed is in favor of Fayyaz in MDP's presidential primary.
Ali Niyaz, former Hulhumale' Constituency MP and former Deputy Chairperson of MDP, responded to this with a picture of Naseem taking part in MDP's first congress in 2005.
The picture that was posted included a caption that stated it was MDP's first congress.
Many people criticized and responded to Niyaz's post, with former Central Henveiru Constituency MP Ali Azim being one of them. Azim commented on the post, asking whether "Niyaa is embarrassed".
A person who commented on the post alleged that as Naseem took part in MDP's first congress as an observer for the Jumhooree Party (JP), Niyaz posted the picture in order to deceive people.
While Niyaz posted as such in defending Naseem, Naseem has not shared anything that was discussed with Solih at his office. He has not mentioned anything regarding his efforts in obtaining MDP's ticket for the 2028 Presidential Election.
Rumors have circulated that Naseem, who was the Vice President of MDP for five years, has Solih's support. However, he has not said anything about running in the primary.
Former JP member Naseem joined MDP on 22nd February 2024 after MDP lost the 2023 Presidential Election. This was a month after being a member of the JP for 16 years. Naseem left the JP in January 2024.
