Nasheed and Former Democrats Rejoin MDP at Sultan Park Rally
MDP hosts gathering to mark return of Nasheed and former The Democrats members | Photo: MDP
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has officially rejoined the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), marking the end of a two-year political split. A rally was held last night at Sultan Park in Malé to welcome Nasheed and several former members of The Democrats back to the party.
The event was attended by key members of the MDP leadership, including Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and Party President Abdulla Shahid. However, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who led the MDP in the 2023 presidential election, was notably absent from the rally.
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#EkugaaGadhakoh ⚖️💛 pic.twitter.com/1eZ833pNmt— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) June 23, 2025
Nasheed delivered an impassioned speech from the MDP podium, expressing confidence that the party would achieve a decisive victory in the next Local Council Elections. He claimed the ruling coalition, led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, would secure only 20 percent of the vote. Nasheed also emphasised the need for political change, declaring that control of local councils across the Maldives—from Thuraakunu in the north to Addu City in the south—must return to the MDP.
Nasheed left the MDP on 21 June 2023 amid growing tensions with Solih, forming The Democrats shortly thereafter. The rift followed disagreements over party leadership and direction in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election.
Although Nasheed mentioned several MDP leaders during his speech, including Fayyaz and Shahid, he made no reference to Solih.
Both Solih and Nasheed have announced their intentions to contest the 2028 presidential election. Solih made his announcement in a recent meeting with senior MDP officials, shortly after news of Nasheed’s return to the party was confirmed. The MDP has not officially commented on Solih’s decision.
Meanwhile, the MDP has announced plans to hold its party congress before 15 August. It is widely expected that the congress will determine the party’s candidate for the 2028 president
