Faisal, backed by Solih, enters MDP’s presidential primary; picks Azim as running mate

Former Maldivian Vice President Faisal Naseem on Thursday formally announced his candidacy for the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s primary for the 2028 presidential elections.

He made the announcement in an appearance on Raajje TV’s Fashaairu program in the morning.

“By the Grace of Allah, I have decided to contest the upcoming MDP primary for the 2028 presidential elections,” he said.

Faisal appeared on the program with Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim, who he confirmed was his running mate for the elections.

When asked about why he decided to contest the 2028 elections with Faisal, Azim responded that he believes both the president and vice president should be from the party in an MDP administration.

“We believe its crucial for there to be an MDP president and MDP vice president in an MDP administration. As such, I accepted VP Faisal’s invitation and am ready to serve as his vice president,” said Azim.

Both Faisal and Azim said they made the decision with “full cooperation and counsel” from former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in whose administration Faisal served as Vice President.

Faisal said he engaged in extensive discussions with party members as well as the larger public, and that he especially received “huge cooperation” from Solih.

He added that he would concede defeat if he lost the primary, and “back presidency for the MDP, more than a specific candidate.”

While Faisal states that he has the support of Solih, the former Maldivian leader, who himself was rumored to be eying a return to office, has not publicly endorsed Faisal or any other candidate.

Faisal is the fourth MDP official to announce candidacy for the party’s primary, following former party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, former party president Abdulla Shahid, and South Hulhumale’ MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed.