Nasheed says leading MDP is the most important political role in Maldives today and asks members to elect him to rebuild the party

Former President Mohamed Nasheed said on Saturday evening that the most important political position in the Maldives right now is the post of MDP Chairman, adding that winning the chairmanship is more important than winning the presidency.

Nasheed, one of the earliest chairmen of the MDP, announced his candidacy on Sunday.

Speaking at the ‘Bodu Badhalu’ rally in Addu, Nasheed said the most important position in the Maldives at present is the MDP Chairmanship.

“I am not saying that I am trying to become President. There is a reason why I am not saying that. This [chairmanship] is more important. It is very important to run this institution strongly,” he said.

Nasheed said he came forward to find a way for the people to live in prosperity.

He said he was not contesting against MDP leaders, but against the “opposition party”.

“I am not contesting against the MDP leaders. I don't understand why any other ideas should come forth on this,” he said.

With that, he asked to be elected as the MDP Chairman. Nasheed said the MDP should be a party of the people, and at the same time, a strong party in the region.

އަންނި އަކީ އެމްޑީޕީގެ އިންޖީނު، ދުވެލި، ފިކުރު ????????

ހިތަދޫ #BoduBadhalu ގެންނަން ތައްޔާރަށް! pic.twitter.com/UopSi3ZHCs

— Luke (@lucasjalyl) April 25, 2026

“We have to be accepted by the regional countries, we have to become the strongest party among the parties that have emerged in small countries, we have to be thinking beyond just the island beach and the lagoon of the country,” he said.

Describing the MDP as the party that will save the Maldives, he called on PNC MPs to leave the PNC if they want what is good for the country.

“The President [Muizzu] said if you don't work, no, there is no philosophy, no mindset, no vision, the future was not imagined and hope was not provided,” he said.

Nasheed said the MDP will provide hope to the people and “change” the Maldives again.