News Desk
Former Foreign Minister and UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid has thrown his hat into the ring for the Main Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) 2028 presidential ticket, stepping down immediately from his post as party president to keep the upcoming internal primary fair.
Speaking at a political rally in Addu City Hithadhoo, Shahid announced his bid for the party’s primary while arguing that MDP remains the only political platform capable of steering the nation out of its current economic and social troubles. He pointed to ordinary party members as the real architects of the country’s democratic reforms and pledged to work closely with them to recapture the presidency.
To prevent any conflict of interest while running, Shahid stepped down from his role at the helm of the party.
“With my announcement to contest the MDP presidential primary, I have resigned as party president to maintain fairness and ensure equal opportunities within the party,” Shahid said during the rally.
Addressing potential internal competition, Shahid added that despite differing views within MDP, he holds the experience to unite the party behind a clear vision focused on delivering good governance, transparency, and results for the public.
Shahid brings a long record in Maldivian politics and diplomacy to the race. Starting his career under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, he served as Foreign Minister and held senior roles within the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) before serving as Speaker of the Majlis from 2009 to 2014.
After joining MDP, he served as Foreign Minister under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and notably went on to serve as the President of the 76th UN General Assembly—marking the first time a Maldivian held the top UN post.
