Shahid says focused on council elections, not on presidency

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid on Sunday emphasized that the party’s immediate priority is securing a victory in the 2026 local council elections. 

Speaking on Raajje TV’s ‘Fala Suruhee’ program, Shahid acknowledged the party's recent electoral setbacks and stressed the importance of regaining public trust through upcoming elections.

“The most important thing at the moment is to hold this government accountable,” Shahid said, underlining the need for the MDP to focus on consolidating its position at the grassroots level. He described the local council elections as a stepping stone to rebuild the party's strength across the Maldives.

When pressed about his potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential primary, Shahid declined to give a definitive answer, emphasizing that it was too early to make such decisions. 

“This is not the time for us to do something internal, with my goal in 2028,” he said. 

“My whole direction will be to turn the whole country yellow in the local council elections in 2026.” Shahid also said.

Shahid reiterated that internal party discussions about the 2028 election should not distract from the urgent work needed to win in 2026. 

“We have already lost two elections. Being responsible, you actually get confused about the step to take. I will certainly act that way,” he added.

According to Shahid, the MDP’s immediate strategy involves reconnecting with the public and demonstrating its ability to deliver results at the local level. 

“This is a time when we in the party are working towards the goal of how much victory the MDP will have in our islands, our provinces, and our cities in 2026,” he said.

Despite focusing on broader party goals, Shahid made a public appearance in Hulhumalé on Sunday, engaging with residents over evening tea. His outreach efforts suggest a commitment to revitalizing the MDP's grassroots network ahead of the council elections.

While Shahid refrained from discussing his own potential candidacy for 2028, speculation continues about the MDP’s presidential primary. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, and former Vice President Faisal Naseem are expected to be among the contenders. Fayyaz has already declared his intention to run, signaling an active contest ahead.

Shahid concluded by reaffirming that the Maldivian people still look to the MDP for leadership and a clear path forward. “The hope of the people of Maldives is now tied to the MDP,” he said, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to steer the Maldives in the right direction.