Former Vice President Faisal Naseem and Male' City Mayor Adam Azim announced today that they are contesting the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary with the full backing of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Speaking on Raajje TV’s "Fashaa Iru" program, Faisal said he had consulted various MDP officials and members of the public about his primary bid. He emphasised that the support he received from Solih following their discussions was a pivotal factor in his decision to move forward.
"Indeed, we consulted with many senior party figures on this matter. We held discussions with numerous individuals as well as the general public," Faisal said.
"Furthermore, I must highlight as a priority that we consulted extensively with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. It is with his cooperation that we are proceeding. I believe it is vital for us to move forward in this manner."
Faisal noted that, as Solih had delivered services to the people during the previous administration, they are launching this primary campaign as a unified team. However, he acknowledged that the journey through the presidential primary would not be an easy one.
"As you know, many people in the Maldives recognise President Solih as someone who provided immense service and worked tirelessly for the citizens during the last MDP government. Therefore, as we begin this journey, especially as a team, we are not stepping out for an easy task," Faisal added.
Mayor Azim also confirmed that he and Faisal are entering the primary with Solih’s complete endorsement. He stated that Solih believes Faisal is the most capable candidate to ensure the projects initiated during his administration are completed and to maintain the developmental momentum the country experienced under the previous government.
"We do not want the projects initiated by President Solih during that administration to come to a halt or be left to ruin. To ensure these projects proceed properly, President Solih advised us on the importance of maintaining that pace. He believes the two people best suited to achieve this are Faisal—who served as his loyal and trustworthy Vice President—and myself," Azim said.
"The President has been saying that if the two people who played the most significant roles in fulfilling his pledges come forward together, it will be easier to regain the speed at which the Maldives was progressing. He also noted that Faisal and I are the most crucial individuals to ensure that Male' residents can actually settle on the land plots granted to them for housing by his administration."
Faisal is the fourth candidate to announce his intention to contest the MDP presidential primary. Former Party Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, former Party President Abdulla Shahid, and Member of Parliament Ahmed Shamheed have also declared their candidacies.
