Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has joined the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Faisal signed up to MDP during a ceremony at the MDP office today and handed over his application form to former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and MDP President Abdulla Shahid attended the ceremony.
"I have always held MDP ideologies and policies. This is the ideology that allows us to work closely with the people. This is the ideology that puts the people first," Faisal said.
Faisal is the first and only Vice President to complete a term of office under the new Constitution which came into force in 2008. He served as the Vice President of a coalition government led by MDP from 2018 to 2023.
Faisal said he was elected Vice President because he was an MP and a member of the Jumhooree Party (JP).
"I didn't have much greed to think that the best way forward is to suddenly join MDP. I was more focused on completing the term as a member of JP," Faisal said when questioned why he joined MDP now.
Faisal signed up to MDP during a ceremony at the MDP office today and handed over his application form to former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Faisal began his political career with the largest opposition party MDP. He joined MDP in 2005 as the MP for Kaashidhoo. But in late 2008, he resigned and joined JP.
He also served in the 18th Parliament session as Kaashidhoo MP. JP council decided to nominate him as the running mate of the joint opposition parties during the 2018 presidential election.
Faisal became Vice President following the election victory by former President Solih in 2018.
He completed the five-year term as Solih's deputy and left the JP on January 21, 2024. He actively contributed to the MDP's campaign for the Male' mayoral election earlier.
Before joining politics, the 50-year-old spent his youth in the resort industry. He also works as an architect and designer.
