Former VP Faisal Announces MDP Presidential Primary Bid with Mayor Azim as Running Mate

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Vice President Faisal Naseem announced today that he will contest the upcoming MDP primary for the 2028 presidential election, selecting Malé Mayor Adam Azim as his candidate for vice president. 

Faisal formally declared his candidacy during an appearance on RaajjeTV’s morning show Fashaairu, saying the decision followed extensive deliberations, nationwide public consultations, and a careful evaluation of the country’s political landscape.

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Speaking during the broadcast, Mayor Azim outlined the rationale behind joining the ticket, emphasising the importance of an MDP administration being headed by party members at both the presidential and vice-presidential levels.

Describing Faisal as a hardworking, visionary leader, Azim highlighted their strong history of professional collaboration during the previous administration, particularly citing Faisal’s hands-on support in executing national development initiatives and rolling out the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry network. Azim framed the joint bid as a vital opportunity to deliver meaningful public service to the nation.

Both politicians underlined that their primary bid comes with the strong endorsement of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, following in-depth discussions with party leadership, grassroots members, and the public. Azim praised Solih’s crisis leadership, noting that he navigated the country through severe historical challenges with wisdom and steady guidance.

Addressing criticism over his political background and party loyalty, Faisal firmly defended his candidacy, asserting that he stood with the party when it mattered most. He stressed that primary voters should evaluate candidates based on their tangible service and dedication to MDP during their time in office. 

“I believe the very first reason MDP members should vote for me is by looking at the work and service I have previously rendered in office for MDP”, he said. “Right now, what I believe is that a person could potentially stay in a party for 20 or 25 years. However, the work one actually does is what truly matters”. 

Faisal returned to MDP in February 2024, after Solih lost the 2023 presidential election. Faisal had previously been an MDP member from 2005 to 2008 before joining the Jumhooree Party (JP). He became Solih’s running mate in 2018 after the opposition coalition agreed that JP would select the vice-presidential candidate, and he served as vice president from 2018 to 2023.

Faisal recalled standing alongside the public during critical efforts to reform the Constitution and empower citizens, stressing that while some supporters abandon a party during weak moments and return only during times of success, his commitment to MDP and reform has remained steadfast.

Similarly, Azim defended MDP as a major national asset, emphasising that party supporters deeply value dedicated leaders. Recalling how he ran under MDP banner during a challenging municipal by-election when critics predicted his political career was over, Azim highlighted how he stood firm to secure a decisive full-majority victory for the party in Malé City.

During the broadcast, Faisal also took aim at the current administration’s flagship Ras Malé land reclamation project, echoing widespread public anxiety over transparency. He noted that citizens remain deeply concerned due to a complete lack of clarity surrounding contractual agreements, financial returns, and long-term guarantees, describing the initiative as shrouded in uncertainty. 

Faisal’s entry expands MDP presidential primary field to four declared contenders, alongside former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, former MDP President and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, and Member of Parliament Ahmed Shamheed.