Shahid resigns as MDP’s leader to enter presidential race

Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has resigned as president of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and formally launched his campaign for the party’s presidential primary on Friday night.

Shahid announced his candidacy during a rally in Addu City, the country’s second-most populous city and a traditional stronghold of the MDP.

Speaking at the rally, Shahid highlighted the challenges currently facing Maldivian citizens and expressed his belief that the MDP is the only party capable of delivering the improvements that are necessary. He pointed to the recurring power outages in Addu City as an example of the deteriorating living conditions experienced by residents.

Shahid stressed the need for constitutional reforms aimed at improving citizens’ quality of life, arguing that such fundamental changes can only be achieved under an MDP administration.

Vowing to secure victory in the 2028 presidential election, Shahid formally announced his intention to contest the party’s presidential primary. He also emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles within the party’s leadership.

"In light of democratic principles, I do not believe it is appropriate to contest an internal party election while holding a senior leadership position, nor do I believe in endorsing any specific candidate from such a position," Shahid stated.

As such, Shahid announced his resignation as MDP’s president, effective immediately following his declaration of candidacy for the primary.

Shahid was elected MDP’s president unopposed in February 2024 after no other candidates contested the position.

A veteran of Maldivian politics, Shahid began his political career with the DRP under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom before joining the MDP following the conclusion of Gayoom’s 30-year administration. During the most recent MDP government, Shahid served as Foreign Minister and held the prestigious position of President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Although the next presidential election remains several years away, competition for the main opposition party’s presidential ticket is already intensifying. Media reports, citing senior party officials, indicate that former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is also considering contesting the primary and is currently consulting with party leaders.

Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has also formally announced his intention to contest the primary, reportedly with the backing of former President and current MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed. Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has likewise expressed interest in seeking the MDP presidential ticket.

Addu City has consistently played a significant role in MDP internal elections. With a population of more than 35,000, the city has a substantial concentration of MDP members. During the 2023 MDP presidential primary, Addu City recorded the highest number of registered voters outside the capital, Malé.