Ex-VP Faisal expresses interest in MDP’s presidential ticket

Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has expressed interest in contesting the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary to secure the party's ticket for the 2028 presidential election.

This marks an important development in the internal rivalry within the MDP, the country's main opposition party, as it begins preparations for the next presidential election.

Sources close to Faisal told Sun that he is interested in seeking the presidency with the aim of bringing positive change to the country. They said he intends to contest the MDP presidential primary should the opportunity arise.

However, those close to Faisal stressed that his foremost priority is ensuring the MDP returns to government, adding that his personal political ambitions remain secondary to the party's broader objective.

"Faisal's greatest desire is for the MDP to win the next election, and he has expressed interest in contesting in the presidential primary if the opportunity presents itself," a close associate stated.

Faisal Naseem served as Vice President under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the last MDP administration. He is the only vice president in recent Maldivian history to have completed a full five-year term in office. Since the current Constitution came into force in 2008, no other vice president had completed an entire term before Faisal. His close working relationship with Solih and his role in the administration have been widely noted within the country's political landscape.

Faisal, who has also been involved in social service initiatives, entered national politics in 2004 after being elected to the Special People's Majlis representing the Fuvahmulah constituency. He later served as the lawmaker for Kaashidhoo constituency following the 2014 parliamentary election. In the 2018 presidential election, he was elected Vice President as the running mate of then-opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, further strengthening his profile as an experienced political figure.

Faisal joined the MDP after the party's defeat in the 2023 presidential election. He had previously been a member of the Jumhooree Party (JP) for 16 years before resigning in January 2024. He officially joined the MDP the following month and has since remained active in the party's senior-level activities.

Faisal's reported interest is expected to add to the competition over the MDP's 2028 presidential ticket. Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has already announced his intention to seek the party's ticket, while political speculation continues over whether current MDP leader Abdulla Shahid and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will also enter the primary race.