Shahid faces criticism over Ali Waheed’s role in primary campaign
Some MDP members have joined criticism on social media, questioning Shahid’s decision to include Ali Waheed in his campaign team.
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Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) president Abdulla Shahid has faced criticism over the involvement of former tourism minister Ali Waheed in his campaign for the party’s presidential nomination.
Ali Waheed was dismissed as tourism minister under the previous administration following allegations of sexual harassment against women employed at the ministry. He subsequently faced sexual offence charges, which were withdrawn before his return to the Maldives in July 2023.
Some MDP members have joined criticism on social media, questioning Shahid’s decision to include Ali Waheed in his campaign team.
Ali Waheed sat in the front row alongside Shahid at a campaign gathering in Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, on Saturday night. He also addressed the gathering, praising Shahid and pledging support for his bid to win the MDP presidential primary.
He told Shahid that his presidential bid would face challenges but urged the party to treat them as a force that could help the campaign advance.
“As a former chairperson of the MDP, I say that the MDP is a party that recognises those who serve it. God willing, you will win the MDP presidential primary with a large majority in Kulhudhuffushi,” Ali Waheed said.
His participation follows a period abroad during which he had largely been absent from political activities.
Critics said working with someone who had faced sexual offence allegations had diminished their respect for Shahid and could cost him votes. Others argued that Ali Waheed’s proximity to the campaign raised concerns about whether a Shahid administration would give positions to people accused of sexual violence.
Ali Waheed left the Maldives in 2021, saying he was travelling for medical treatment, after charges had been brought against him. He returned on 11 July 2023 following their withdrawal.
Although he said on his return that he was not coming back as a politician, he served as an election agent for Jumhooree Party presidential candidate Gasim Ibrahim during the 2023 election. He was a member of the party at the time.
He left the Jumhooree Party after its defeat in the first round and rejoined the MDP in December 2023.
Ali Waheed subsequently secured the MDP ticket for Kulhudhuffushi South in the parliamentary election but did not win the seat.
