Foreign News
Maldives 2028: Abdulla Shahid Launches MDP Presidential Bid
Veteran Maldivian diplomat and former United Nations General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid has officially launched his campaign for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary for the 2028 Presidential Election. Stepping down as party President to “preserve internal electoral integrity”, Shahid kicked off his bid with an active campaign blitz in the crucial southern political stronghold of Addu City. With a high-stakes race already shaping up, his platform focuses on a “major economic reset.” It will be “driven by aggressive foreign investment, deeper regional trade links. And stronger engagement with international financial institutions to stabilise the nation.”
They may be still two years to the Maldives’ Presidential polls. But, the contest for the MDP ticket is already setting itself up into a high-stakes multiple-candidate battle. A sharp contest is building up among the island nation’s main opposition. Key figures are moving quickly to consolidate support within the MDP rank and file.
A Three-Way Race?
The MDP primary field is crystallising around three major political figures, as of now:
Abdulla Shahid: The former Foreign Minister and former United Nations General Assembly President has entered the primary. He opened his campaign trail with a blitz in Addu City.
Fayyaz Ismail: The former Minister of Economic Development and ex-party chairperson was the first to publicly declare his intentions. He enters the primary with the explicit endorsement of former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih: The former President, who carried the MDP banner in both the 2018 and 2023 national elections is reportedly considering entering the primary.
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has also signalled interest in securing the nomination.
The Strategic Weight of Addu City
Shahid’s decision to launch his campaign efforts in Addu reflects the southern city’s critical role in shaping internal MDP outcomes. With more than 35,000 residents, Addu serves as a major party bastion. Electoral data from the 2023 primary showed Addu held the highest volume of registered voters outside the capital island of Malé. That makes it a pivotal battleground for any contender seeking to secure the nomination.
Global Standing vs. Economic Governance
In laying out his platform, Abdulla Shahid is highlighting his background in governance and international relations. He had five terms in the People’s Majlis (Parliament). And served as the first democratically elected Speaker under the 2008 constitution. Shahid gained additional prominent international visibility when he presided over the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly during the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2021. India and 142 countries voted for him out of the 191 ballots cast. He is the first Maldivian to hold the post.
Abdulla Shahid was the Maldives’ Foreign Minister from 2007 to 2008 and from 2018 to 2023.
Watch this 2023 conversation, with Abdulla Shahid, the then Maldivian Foreign Minister.
Governance and Economic Reset Pledges
Positioning himself as an experienced hand capable of stabilising the country, Shahid’s pitch centres on economic recovery. His platform emphasizes a stronger engagement with international financial institutions, an aggressive pursuit of foreign investment, deeper trade links with regional neighbours, and structural support for local commerce.
Framing himself as “a leader for all members of our party, a leader who embraces every school of thought, a leader of principles, a leader who delivers,” Shahid pledged to run a government focused on results.
“Drawing on a lifetime of experience in national service, I will establish a government that delivers. One that will take the helm of the Maldivian ship, navigate the complex waters of the international arena, find solutions to the challenges before us, and achieve results,” he promised.
With the primary campaign now underway, the MDP executive body is expected to finalise the date for the internal vote in the coming months. The MDP primary itself is likely in 2027. Whoever wins the MDP primary vote will take on incumbent President Mohamed Muizzu or whoever is chosen from the ruling party, if it has a primary. And possibly other contenders.