Faisal meets Solih for talks on MDP 2028 presidential race
Faisal has also previously said he was holding consultations on a possible presidential bid but has not formally declared his candidacy.
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Former Vice President Faisal Naseem met former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday for discussions on the Maldivian Democratic Party’s presidential race, as Faisal prepares to announce whether he will seek the party’s ticket for the 2028 election.
The meeting was held on Sunday afternoon at Solih’s office in the building housing Salt Café and lasted about an hour.
Speaking to Dhauru after the meeting, Faisal said the discussions focused on the presidential election.
“I met President Solih to discuss matters relating to the presidential election,” Faisal said.
Asked whether he would contest the MDP presidential primary, Faisal said he had previously stated that he was working towards entering the race.
“I have said on several occasions before that I am working towards contesting the presidential election. So I came after discussing matters relating to that with President Solih,” he said.
Solih decided last month to contest the MDP primary to select its candidate for the 2028 presidential election, according to sources within the party. However, he has yet to formally announce his candidacy.
Faisal has also previously said he was holding consultations on a possible presidential bid but has not formally declared his candidacy.
There has been speculation within the MDP that Solih could support Faisal in the presidential primary. Others within the party say Solih has yet to decide whether to support any particular candidate.
Asked whether he had secured Solih’s support, Faisal did not answer directly, saying the priority should be for the MDP to win the 2028 presidential election.
“We have to work towards the formula that will enable [the MDP to win the election]. I believe that is something we have to do for all the people of the Maldives,” Faisal said.
Faisal said his approach had always been based on what he believed was in the interests of the public.
“My decision will be announced very soon. What I am working towards is contesting the MDP primary and securing the ticket for 2028,” he said.
When asked again whether Solih had decided to support him, Faisal said Solih would make his own decision.
“President Solih will know. He has governed the country and is a very responsible person. He also thinks carefully about the future of the MDP and the future of the Maldives. Therefore, I believe President Solih’s decision will be one that takes into account the interests of the country and its people,” Faisal said.
Solih also met Malé Mayor Adam Azim on Thursday to discuss the MDP’s presidential race.
According to information circulating within the MDP, Azim could become Faisal’s running mate if Faisal secures the party’s presidential ticket. Neither Faisal nor Azim has formally announced such an arrangement.
