The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will convene its national congress before August 15, following a vote by the party’s National Council held behind closed doors on Saturday night.
A majority of the 75 council members present backed the decision during a session that was not televised. The congress is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the party’s stance on the upcoming presidential election and potentially set the stage for a heated primary.
Party insiders suggest the congress may be used to finalize the process of selecting MDP’s presidential candidate, amid growing speculation that several high-profile figures are preparing to contest the ticket. Among them are former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Party Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, and current MDP President Abdulla Shahid.
Reliable sources indicate that former President Solih has already communicated his intention to seek the party’s nomination to close allies. Despite his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, Solih remains interested in a political comeback. His initial candidacy for the presidency in 2018 also stemmed from an MDP congress resolution, after former President Mohamed Nasheed was barred from running at the time.
In the last electoral cycle, Solih was awarded the ticket for a second term without a primary, through another congress resolution. However, this year’s build-up appears markedly more competitive, with key figures maneuvering for position within the party.
Adding to the political dynamics, former President Nasheed—who split from MDP to form the Democrats—has publicly called for a reunification of the two parties. He argues that such a move would serve the best interests of both the nation and the broader democratic movement. Some of Nasheed’s close allies have already defected from the Democrats to rejoin MDP.
While Party Chairperson Fayyaz has responded positively to Nasheed’s overture, Solih has remained silent. Tensions between the two former presidents have remained high since Nasheed opposed Solih’s campaign during the last election.
As MDP prepares for its congress, the party appears headed toward a critical crossroads that could reshape its leadership and strategic direction ahead of the next presidential contest.
