The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday welcomed former President Mohamed Nasheed and members of The Democrats back into its ranks, in a move that reshapes the opposition ahead of local council elections and the 2028 presidential race.
The return follows a resolution passed by The Democrats’ national assembly on Tuesday, allowing members to rejoin the MDP. The resolution, proposed by Women Democrats leader Fathimath Hamdha Mohamed at Nasheed’s request, passed with broad support and minimal opposition.
“I welcome the decision of former President Mohamed Nasheed and members of The Democrats to join the party,” MDP Chairperson and opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail posted on X. “The MDP is the oldest party in the Maldives and was formed with the intention of introducing democracy and working for reform.”
“The fact that President Nasheed and members of The Democrats have joined this party at a time when we must be extremely vigilant about the actions of the government is an added encouragement in this endeavour,” he said.
The MDP, in a separate statement issued later on Wednesday, said the party “remains open to anyone committed to working sincerely for the betterment of the country” and vowed to continue its work “in full swing with President Nasheed and the new members”.
“At a time when democracy—won through the hard work and sacrifices of many—is under threat, meaningful reforms are essential. Every member of this party is firmly committed to standing up for the nation without hesitation,” the party said.
Nasheed, who left the MDP in June 2023 after losing the party’s presidential primary to then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, later formed The Democrats with a group of loyalists. Several members had returned to the MDP in recent months, but Tuesday’s resolution marked the largest return yet.
The development follows speculation sparked by Nasheed’s private meeting with Fayyaz at his residence on Sunday, followed by a lunch meeting the next day. While neither party initially commented on the Democrats’ internal resolution, Fayyaz’s public remarks signalled clear endorsement.
The decision reflects what insiders say is a growing consensus within the opposition that a divided front risks weakening their chances of unseating the Mohamed Muizzu administration at the ballot box. The future of The Democrats as a registered political party, meanwhile, remains unclear following the mass departure of members.
Despite his international role as secretary-general of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), Nasheed has remained active in domestic politics. In April, he proposed a merger between the MDP and The Democrats — a suggestion welcomed by Fayyaz, though no formal steps were taken at the time.
Fayyaz has already announced his intention to contest the MDP’s presidential primary. Other likely contenders include former President Solih, MDP President Abdulla Shahid, Malé City Mayor Adam Azim and MP Ahmed Shamheed.
Nasheed’s return is expected to significantly alter the party’s internal dynamics and heat up the race for its 2028 presidential ticket.