Shahid to launch MDP presidential primary campaign in Addu
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has also decided to seek the party’s nomination.
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Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid is scheduled to travel to Addu City on Friday to begin campaigning for the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Shahid, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs during the previous MDP administration, has been meeting party members and stakeholders in recent weeks to build support for a presidential bid. While he has yet to formally announce his candidacy, party sources say preparations for his campaign are now underway.
According to a close associate, Shahid’s visit to Addu will mark the start of his primary campaign.
During the two-day visit, Shahid is expected to participate in two campaign gatherings. A rally is scheduled to take place in Hithadhoo on Friday night, while a second gathering is planned for Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo on Saturday night.
Members of Shahid’s campaign team said the visit will also focus on securing support from senior MDP figures in Addu and holding meetings with party members and community leaders.
“In addition to the rallies, Shahid will meet key figures in Addu and seek their support for the primary,” a senior member of his campaign team told Dhauru.
Shahid also announced his planned visit to Addu in a post on X on Wednesday night. Earlier this week, he met a group of Addu residents living in Malé as part of his outreach efforts.
The race for the MDP presidential nomination is gathering momentum ahead of the party’s primary, which is expected to be held next year.
Former Economic Minister and former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail remains the only candidate to have formally declared his intention to contest the primary.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has also decided to seek the party’s nomination, according to senior party sources, although he has not yet made a public announcement.
The MDP has not announced a date for the presidential primary, but party officials have indicated that preparations are underway to hold the election sometime next year.
