Shahid Secures MDP Presidency without Election

The former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, has clinched the presidency of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as the sole contender in the party’s election.

Following the resignation of the MDP’s previous president on June 21, the party’s national assembly appointed former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as interim president until formal elections could be held.

Today marked the deadline for applications for the presidency, with Shahid emerging as the lone candidate in the running.

As per the party’s constitution, in the event of a singular candidacy, the nominee is automatically elevated to the position of party president. Consequently, the MDP confirmed Shahid’s uncontested ascent to the party’s top post.

Shahid, boasting a tenure as Foreign Minister spanning five years, had been informally campaigning for the MDP presidency for some time. 

Having been a member of the MDP for several years, Shahid’s political journey commenced with the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s leadership. His transition to the MDP coincided with the conclusion of Gayoom’s three-decade rule.