Subscription Form

MP Shamheed in a parliament sitting - Photo: Majlis

MALÉ: Member of Parliament for Hulhumalé South constituency Dr. Ahmed Shamheed officially announced today his decision to contest the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary for the 2028 presidential ticket.

Speaking during the premiere episode of a show hosted by Moosa Waseem, launched with online news outlet Avas, Dr. Shamheed confirmed his candidacy when asked directly about his political ambitions. He stated that contesting the presidential primary fulfills a campaign promise he made to his constituents during the 2024 parliamentary election.

“Allah willing, I will contest the upcoming MDP presidential primary,” Dr. Shamheed said. “Perhaps the only promise I made to the people of my constituency was that I would contest the presidential primary.”

Explaining his decision to run, Dr. Shamheed emphasized that most leading politicians across political parties have held key government positions over the past 18 years. He noted that the public needs new political leaders to offer fresh alternatives for the nation.

Dr. Shamheed started his political career with the Jumhooree Party (JP) and served as Minister of Transport and Communication in former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan’s cabinet in 2012.

His declaration makes him the third politician to formally enter the MDP 2028 presidential primary race. Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid have already announced their bids.

While former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih intends to contest the primary, former President Mohamed Nasheed ruled out a run and endorsed Fayyaz Ismail. Solih hasn’t formally announced anything regarding the primary.

To prepare for the presidential race, MDP is planning to hold an early primary in 2027 due to rising competition for the ticket and to ensure sufficient time to unify the party’s operations ahead of the 2028 election.