MDP Internal Politics Heat Up as Nasheed Backs Fayyaz for 2028 Presidential Ticket

The race for control of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is reaching a critical juncture as former President Mohamed Nasheed has openly endorsed former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail as the party's presidential candidate for 2028, throwing the party's internal dynamics into upheaval.

Nasheed's public support for Fayyaz has raised serious questions about the party's constitution, particularly Article 48, which explicitly states that the Chairman should not support any candidate contesting internal elections. The MDP Constitution is clear—the party Secretariat, headed by the Chairman, must serve all party members equally, with no employee or official permitted to participate in internal party elections or express support for specific candidates.

Despite these constitutional provisions, Nasheed has made no secret of his backing for Fayyaz, leaving ordinary party members uncertain about how they will vote in the upcoming internal elections. The MDP presidential primary represents the most significant internal election the party will face next year, with multiple candidates already expressing interest.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has yet to announce whether he will contest the election, adding another layer of uncertainty to the race. Meanwhile, Nasheed's political career, which has been directed toward the national government, has been without political power for three years—a considerable period for someone whose daily life revolves around political activity.

Nasheed and Fayyaz jointly announced what they termed the "Revolution" on April 19, 2026, though the specifics of this proposal remain vague. The initiative appears designed to restrict opportunities for anyone other than Fayyaz within the party following the chairmanship election.

Nasheed's opponent, MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, continues to campaign vigorously. In a significant open letter released on May 7, Meekail warned MDP members.

"I believe that if a candidate who supports a particular presidential candidate is elected chairman, the party will be divided again, the 2028 presidential election will be lost and the party will be on the road again."

The stakes were further highlighted when The Democrats—the party Nasheed formed after his defeat in the 2023 presidential primary—was officially deregistered after failing to reach the required 3,000 members. The party's dissolution effectively marked the end of Nasheed's political alternative outside the MDP.

The MDP remains central to Nasheed's political survival. His return to the party after a period of political isolation has reinvigorated his career, but whether he can secure the chairmanship depends on whether he commands the majority support of ordinary MDP members—a question that cannot be answered until the votes are cast on Friday.