Shahid pledges medicine and fuel security in MDP primary campaign
Shahid resigned as party president last month after announcing his intention to contest the primary. He has since been travelling on campaign visits.
Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) president Abdulla Shahid pledged on Saturday to ensure access to medicines, food and fuel, saying he would draw on his diplomatic experience and international relationships if elected president.
Speaking at a campaign gathering in Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shahid outlined his platform for the MDP presidential primary under the slogan “Prosperous Maldives”.
Shahid resigned as party president last month after announcing his intention to contest the primary. He has since been travelling on campaign visits.
The former foreign minister said his proposals aimed to address debt, financial insecurity and declining living standards. He pledged to enable people to support themselves and to develop the north and south without having to depend on Malé for every need.
Shahid, who also served as president of the 76th United Nations General Assembly, said much of the work required for the Maldives’ development depended on engagement with other countries. His pledges, he said, were based on his experience in that field.
He argued that the previous MDP government had maintained access to medicines and services during the Covid-19 lockdown, while accusing the current administration of failing to ensure the availability of even Panadol.
“Even during the Covid lockdown, did any citizen have to go without a tablet of medicine? Did anyone have to go without an essential service?” he asked.
“God willing, under my government, drawing on my experience, the work I have done and my international relationships, you will see a Maldives that moves forward without shortages of medicines, basic food supplies or fuel.”
Shahid said his proposed changes would increase household incomes, help people escape debt and reduce financial anxiety. He pledged to begin work from his first day in office, guided by plans covering both immediate needs and development over time.
For Kulhudhuffushi, he promised to develop bunkering services and turn the harbour into a source of income for residents. He criticised the government’s approach to bunkering, describing it as a discredit to the service.
His healthcare pledges included improving regional hospitals and health centres so that patients could receive routine treatment without travelling to Malé.
He also promised to establish paediatric intensive care units at atoll hospitals and upgrade health centres within five years to allow women to give birth and receive postnatal care without travelling to the capital.
Shahid pledged to expand production in the greater Thiladhunmathi region and complete unfinished projects across the islands.
“This can be done through experience. God willing, I will do it for you, with your love and support,” he said, expressing confidence in winning the election.
Shahid began his political career under former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, serving in ministerial and other government posts. Following the introduction of the multiparty system, he held leadership roles in Gayoom’s Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party.
He joined the MDP in April 2013 while serving as MP for Keyodhoo and Speaker of Parliament. In 2014, he won the Henveiru North seat on an MDP ticket.
Following the MDP’s victory in the 2018 presidential election, Shahid became foreign minister. He later served as president of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.
