Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to contest the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) presidential primary, setting the stage for a battle over the party’s ticket for the next presidential election, The Standard understands.
Solih reached the decision following a series of consultations with senior MDP figures, party officials and activists over a potential return to the presidential race.
A source close to the former president told The Standard that Solih has held discussions with key party activists as well as officials serving in different positions within the MDP before deciding to enter the primary.
The consultations have also centred on consolidating support within the party ahead of the contest.
A senior MDP official, who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity, said Malé City Mayor Adam Azim is among those who have decided to support Solih’s candidacy.
Solih has yet to publicly announce his bid.
His expected entry would significantly reshape the MDP primary, with former Economic Development Minister and former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail so far the only figure to have formally announced his intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.
Fayyaz has continued his political activities alongside current MDP Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Solih served as President of the Maldives from 2018 to 2023 after winning the 2018 presidential election as the candidate of the then-opposition coalition.
He sought a second term in 2023 after securing the MDP presidential ticket, but lost the election to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The 2023 MDP presidential primary itself exposed significant divisions within the party. Solih defeated Nasheed in the contest, after which tensions between their respective factions deepened and Nasheed later left the MDP to establish The Democrats.
Nasheed has since returned to the MDP and assumed its chairmanship.
The political landscape within the opposition has continued to shift in recent months as senior figures position themselves ahead of the next presidential contest.
Should Solih formally announce his candidacy, the MDP primary would see two prominent figures from the party’s previous administration competing for its presidential ticket, with both Solih and Fayyaz expected to seek support from the party’s nationwide membership.
The next presidential election is scheduled for 2028.
