Mohamed Nasheed backs Fayyaz Ismail for MDP presidential primary

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has announced that he will not contest the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary for the 2028 elections. Instead, Nasheed stated during a meeting in Malé that he will support former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail for the party's nomination.

Nasheed suggested that the MDP should hold its presidential primary early next year, ideally shortly after Ramadan in February, to prepare for the upcoming presidential race. While the party's national council will make the final decisions, Nasheed expressed his preference for this timeline.

The primary is expected to be highly competitive, with several high-profile figures expressing interest. Candidates include Fayyaz Ismail, former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is reportedly negotiating for support. Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has also indicated interest in contesting the primary.