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Sunday 19 Apr 2026
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
Mohamed Nasheed (L) and Fayyaz Ismail (R) attend a press briefing on April 19, 2026. (Sun Photo)
Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed has announced support for former economic minister Fayyaz Ismail’s 2028 presidential campaign, while announcing his own intention to contest the race of the chairpersonship of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The two leaders, who had previously exchanged verbal attacks during MDP's regime, have been working together for the past year.
At a joint press conference held under the banner Bodu Badhalu (Great Change), Fayyaz proposed wide‑ranging reforms to the Constitution and the system of governance. These include separating the roles of head of state and head of government.
He also proposed major changes to the Parliament and independent institutions.
“I support Fayyaz Ismail as the head of government to bring about this major change,” Nasheed said.
“And I am going to work with them to get the Maldives Democratic Party to agree and approve these changes. Therefore, I intend to run for the chairperson of the MDP,” he added.
Nasheed said his decision was aimed at bringing about the necessary positive reforms to the Constitution and the governance system.
He said these changes should not wait until after 2028 and urged the public to join discussions. He also called on the government to implement the reforms without delay.
Nasheed announced that street protests would also be organised to push for the changes.
“We will travel to all the islands of Maldives and involve all the people of Maldives in thinking that this big change is the change that all the people want. We will do that,” he said.
He reiterated his support for Fayyaz’s 2028 presidential candidacy, while also expressing his own interest in serving the country as head of state.
Nasheed and Fayyaz have been advocating systemic reforms for days, calling on the government to consult widely.
There is strong competition for the MDP’s presidential ticket. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has previously expressed interest, while party president Abdulla Shahid is also rumoured to be seeking the nomination.
Although Fayyaz and Nasheed are now aligned, tensions had emerged between them and the party leadership after the council elections. The two were not given the opportunity to speak at the victory rally and chose not to attend.
However, several changes have since been made, including granting Nasheed a seat in the National Assembly. The party also formed a five‑member committee to run the party. The committee includes:
