Faisal says he has Solih’s backing for MDP presidential primary
Faisal is the fourth politician to announce his intention to contest the party’s presidential primary.
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Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has said he is contesting the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary with the support of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Faisal, who served as Vice President throughout Solih’s five-year administration, also announced that Malé Mayor Adam Azim would be his running mate if he secured the party’s presidential nomination for the 2028 election.
The announcements were made during an appearance on Raajje TV’s Fashaairu programme, which featured both Faisal and Azim.
Asked whether he had Solih’s support, Faisal said he had held discussions with the former President before deciding to contest the primary.
“We have consulted former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and we are moving forward with his support. We consider this very important,” Faisal said.
He said Solih’s administration had delivered services to the public despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic difficulties, adding that many Maldivians recognised those efforts.
Faisal said he had sought Solih’s views and support before making his decision to seek the MDP presidential ticket.
Faisal is the fourth politician to announce his intention to contest the party’s presidential primary.
The other three candidates are former MDP President and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, former MDP Chairperson and former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, and South Hulhumalé MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed.
Of the four candidates, Faisal is the only one to have publicly announced a running mate.
MDP Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed has already declared his support for Fayyaz Ismail. The two have been working together ahead of the primary.
The announcements come as the MDP prepares to select its candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
Nasheed has previously said the party intends to discuss holding its presidential primary in the first half of 2027.
The contest is expected to determine who will represent the MDP in its bid to return to government after losing the 2023 presidential election to President Mohamed Muizzu.
