Shahid to run for the post of MDP’s leader

Former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid has formally announced his decision to run for the post of opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s leader.

MDP will be holding the election to elect a new leader on March 2^nd.  Interested members have been instructed to file their candidacy forms before 2:00pm on February 20^th.

Shahid, in a post on X on Sunday, announced his decision to run for the post. He added that a look at every direction showed the need for MDP to stand united, with new enthusiasm and vigor, to take the Maldives back to the direction the people wishes.

The official announcement from the former foreign minister comes after he had begun unofficially campaigning for the post.

Shahid entered politics via former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (MDP). He left the party and joined MDP following the end of Maumoon’s 30-year administration.

Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is currently serving as MDP’s interim leader, has yet to comment on the election.

MDP was unofficially incepted in 2003 and registered after the new constitution came into force in 2005. The first leader of the party was Ibrahim Ismail (Ibura). The post was later filled by former attorney general Dr. Mohamed Munawwar and former Fisheries Minister Dr. Ibrahim Didi.

Former president Mohamed Nasheed, who held the post for the longest period, resigned from the party last year following internal conflicts with Solih.