MDP and Democrats signal reunification amid growing interest in opposition ticket

“In my view, it would be best at the moment for the country, for MDP, and for Democrats as well, for MDP and Democrats to unite,” tweeted former president Mohamed Nasheed, who led the breakaway faction that formed the splinter party after losing the MDP primary to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. 

Shortly after Nasheed’s call on Saturday, both MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail and Imthiyaz Fahmy, the new president of the Democrats, welcomed the proposal. 

“We need to put the government on the right path even with everyone uniting. Our party’s stand has always been to work together with everyone who wants to work with us for a free and democratic effort, to work to uphold democracy in the Maldives,” Fayyaz told Adhadhu on Saturday night. 

The proposed merger comes after several leadership figures from the Democrats rejoined the MDP in January, including former MPs Hassan Latheef, Ali Azim, and Mohamed Shifaz as well as Hussain Amr, former managing director of the State Trading Organisation.   

Fayyaz reiterated that he would welcome Nasheed back to the MDP, a stance that both the chairman and former president Solih have previously maintained amid efforts towards reconciliation over the past year.

But there was displeasure towards Nasheed within the MDP over the damage inflicted to the party since his departure, Fayyaz noted. “Then it’s up to president Nasheed, isn’t it, to seek the contentment of our members,” he suggested.

The new talk of a merger comes amid growing speculation over the opposition’s presidential ticket for 2028.  

In November, Fayyaz became the first contender to declare his intention to contest in the MDP’s presidential primary. Former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, the MDP’s president, has also been floated as a potential candidate.   

Mihaaru reported on Saturday that Dr Ahmed Shamheed, MDP MP for Hulhumalé South, has expressed interest in running for president. Shamheed, a former transport minister, reportedly sent a message to MDP members seeking their support.   

Over the past week, supporters of former president Solih have been campaigning on social media, following rumours of his interest in staging a comeback.