Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared his candidacy for the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) presidential nomination during a private dinner in Malé this evening. The announcement was delivered by his brother-in-law, former People’s Majlis member Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey), underscoring Solih’s inner-circle support network. Among those at the event were prominent MDP figures—former Speaker Mohamed Aslam, ex‑Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof, and Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim—who voiced their endorsement.
Solih enters a competitive field that includes MDP Chair Fayyaz Ismail, Party President Abdulla Shahid, and MP Dr. Mohamed Shamheed, all of whom have signalled interest in seeking the party’s ticket for the presidency.
The candidate field further expanded with the high-profile return of former President Mohamed Nasheed and other members from the breakaway Democrats party. After dissolving their party, they have been welcomed back into the MDP with a celebratory rally scheduled for tomorrow evening at Sultan Park.
However, beneath this show of unity, the party appears divided. Long-standing tensions among factions loyal to Solih, Nasheed, and other senior leaders persist. Critics, especially from Nasheed’s former followers, have called the reintegration a superficial “capitulation,” casting doubt on the depth of the reconciliation .
Despite these fractures, there is a notable shift: long-rivalled leaders Fayyaz Ismail and Abdulla Shahid have set aside past grievances and are now collaborating. Previously at odds—regular conflicts playing out in a private MDP WhatsApp group over campaign visibility and strategic messaging— the two are working closely to reinforce party cohesion and guide its future direction .
Yet insiders warn that this newfound cooperation may only mask deeper battles. With multiple contenders vying for control over nomination procedures, campaign strategy, and committee assignments, the MDP could face intensified factionalism in the coming weeks. As campaign efforts ramp up and rivalries sharpen, the party’s capacity to hold itself together will be tested ahead of both the primary and the broader electoral contests that lie ahead.
