Solih, Nasheed back rival candidates in MDP Male mayoral primary

Former Presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Mohamed Nasheed have taken opposing sides in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary race for Male Mayor.

The contest for the party’s ticket is between incumbent Mayor Adam Azim and former Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim. The MDP has not yet announced the date for its local council primary, scheduled ahead of the elections in March next year.

Both candidates have launched their campaigns. So far, only the two Azims have expressed interest in contesting for the post.

Former MP Ali Niyaz, younger brother of Solih, declared support for Adam Azim in a post on X last Friday, saying Azim’s tenure as mayor warranted another term. Adam Azim is also regarded as one of Solih’s close associates and has frequently accompanied him on visits across the islands.

Nasheed, meanwhile, has endorsed Ali Azim. In a post on X, Nasheed shared a photo of Ali Azim with the caption, “Ali Azim as Mayor of Male City.”

The division within the party reflects the broader split between factions loyal to Solih and Nasheed. The two former leaders have remained politically divided since Nasheed lost the MDP’s 2023 presidential primary to Solih.

After the internal dispute, Nasheed’s supporters, including Ali Azim, were expelled from the MDP and later formed The Democrats, fielding a candidate in the presidential election. Following the election, Nasheed, the party’s leadership, and many members rejoined the MDP.

Despite reunification, the MDP remains divided between Nasheed and Solih factions. Party Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail—formerly a key minister under Solih—has aligned with Nasheed. Fayyaz has also announced his intention to contest the MDP’s next presidential primary, while Solih’s allies are reportedly working to nominate him again.