Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to not contest in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primaries. Instead, he will now be endorsing Faisal Naseem, who served as Vice President in his administration.
An official from their campaign team confirmed to Mihaaru News today that Solih has decided against contesting in the MDP presidential primaries. Instead, he will now be fully endorsing Faisal to run for the ticket, the official said.
"Faisal will run in the primaries with Ibu (Solih)'s backing. We have that assurance," the official said.
Faisal is the only Vice President to have yet completed the full five year term in office.
For the 2028 MDP presidential primaries, Male' Mayor Adam Azim will be running as Faisal's running mate.
The official further stated that Faisal will be officially announcing his candidacy and launching his campaign in the coming days.
Faisal and Solih held discussions on MDP's 2028 presidential candidate last Sunday as well. However, details of the discussion have not been disclosed by Faisal as of yet, nor has he yet spoken publicly about his intention to run in the primaries.
While Solih has decided to endorse Faisal for the next presidential elections, he chose then North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam over Faisal as his running mate for the 2023 presidential elections.
Faisal was previously a member of Jumhoori Party. He joined MDP on February 22, 2024, after MDP lost the 2023 presidential elections. He had left the Jumhoori Party in January 2024 after having been a member for 16 years, and joined the MDP just a month later.
Candidates now openly campaigning for the MDP presidential primaries are former MDP President Abdulla Shahid, former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and South Hulhumale' MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has announced that he has no interest in contesting in the primaries, and asserted that he fully endorses Fayyaz.
Meanwhile, the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has awarded the 2028 presidential ticket uncontested to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu last Friday.
