MDP Decentralization Conference Led by Ibrahim Solih Kicks Off Amid Presidential Ticket Tensions

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has launched its “Decentralisation Relations” conference, spearheaded by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, signalling a renewed effort by the party to strategise ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. The conference comes as the party grapples with internal divisions and competition over its presidential candidacy.

According to a former MDP lawmaker who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the primary focus of the conference is to assess whether the party can return to power in the next election cycle. Despite being out of the political limelight for an extended period, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s unexpected appearance at the event sparked speculation within the party ranks.

The party’s current president, Abdulla Shahid, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over Solih’s sudden reemergence, although he refrained from making public comments. Shahid is one of several high-profile figures vying for the MDP’s presidential ticket, alongside names like Fayyaz Ismail, the party’s influential chairperson, Male' City Mayor Adam Azim, and Ahmed Saleem (Horafushi Salle).

The MDP's leadership race has become a focal point of tension, with visible divisions among party factions. Fayyaz Ismail’s dominance within the party is evident, as the MDP’s official website, which he controls, prominently highlights his role while offering limited details on the other presidential hopefuls.

As the party navigates this internal struggle, its leaders continue to present a united front in their opposition to the government. However, the competition for the presidential ticket threatens to deepen rifts within the MDP, which may have broader implications for the party’s ability to mount a cohesive challenge in the upcoming election.

MDP's focus on decentralization, a core part of its political agenda, continues to be the central theme of the conference, with leaders emphasizing the importance of empowering local governments and fostering regional development.

With 2028 on the horizon, the MDP faces a challenging task: balancing its internal politics while positioning itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party.