In a bold political move, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has rejoined the Adhaalath Party (AP), signaling a potential shift in the Maldives’ political landscape. A founding member of AP and the current Minister of Islamic Affairs under President Mohamed Muizzu, Dr. Shaheem announced his return via a heartfelt Facebook post, stating, “Seeking strength from Allah, I have submitted the membership form to the Adhaalath Party.”
Dr. Shaheem’s reentry into AP comes after a hiatus during which he aligned with the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), even serving as President Abdulla Yameen’s running mate in the 2018 presidential election. His return is not merely symbolic; he has declared his intention to contest for the party’s presidency in the upcoming internal elections later this year.
While Dr. Shaheem has not publicly detailed his reasons for rejoining AP, his move has been met with enthusiasm from senior party figures. Notably, the Council of Scholars President Sheikh Ilyas Hussain, Vice President Abdullah Rasheed, and Dr. Iyaz Abdul Lateef have all expressed support. However, current AP President Sheikh Imran Abdullah, residing in Thailand, has welcomed Dr. Shaheem’s return conditionally, suggesting he should resign from his ministerial post to contest for party leadership.
Dr. Shaheem, however, maintains that the party’s constitution does not prohibit cabinet members from holding leadership positions within the party. He emphasized his commitment to the party’s future, stating, “If the members elect me as the president of the Adhaalath Party, I will proceed with the party as decided by the congress, Insha Allah.”
His vision for AP includes revitalizing its structure by reuniting founding members and scholars, establishing an “AP Development Fund” to ensure financial self-sufficiency, and expanding the Council of Scholars to strengthen the party’s Islamic message. The proposed fund aims to support member development, provide higher education opportunities, and secure halal funding for election expenses.
Dr. Shaheem’s return and leadership bid come at a time when AP has been relatively quiet following its coalition with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the latter’s defeat in the 2023 elections. With AP now among the five political parties eligible for state funding in 2025, Dr. Shaheem’s leadership could mark a new chapter for the party, potentially reshaping the Maldives’ political dynamics.
As the internal elections approach, all eyes will be on AP to see whether Dr. Shaheem’s vision resonates with its members and whether the party can reclaim its influential role in Maldivian politics.
