Fayyaz to contest MDP presidential primary for 2028
Fayyaz added that his announcement had been made openly and without ambiguity.
Chairman of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Fayyaz Ismail, has confirmed that he will contest the party’s presidential primary for the 2028 election, despite recent changes within the political environment.
Fayyaz initially announced his interest in seeking the MDP ticket in a message to the party’s National Assembly WhatsApp group in November. Since then, former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih have also indicated their interest in contesting the primary.
Speaking at an MDP press conference on Wednesday, Fayyaz stated that his position on the matter remains unchanged.
“That announcement was made in our National Assembly group, and it still stands,” Fayyaz said. “If I continue in this position, I will contest the 2028 presidential primary.”
He was joined at the press conference by MDP President Abdulla Shahid. Responding to questions about whether Fayyaz’s candidacy could create conflicts with his current role as chairman, Shahid said the party has no rules preventing an office bearer from seeking the nomination.
“There is no rule in the party requiring a resignation from a position to contest the primary. If anything contradicts party regulations, members have the right to raise concerns,” Shahid said.
Fayyaz added that his announcement had been made openly and without ambiguity.
“I may be the only one who has made a clear and transparent announcement,” he said, referring to speculation about others seeking the ticket unofficially.
Shahid, who has also been reported to be a possible contender for the party’s nomination, did not directly confirm whether he intends to run. When asked, he repeated his earlier position that his focus remains on the upcoming local council elections in 2026.
“Neither the chairman nor I intend to step away from our responsibilities within the party. While there may be interest in future elections, our present focus is on the council vote,” Shahid said.
When asked a second time, Shahid reiterated: “My focus is the 2026 council elections. The MDP will announce the primary. People are speculating about it.”
