South Hulhumalé MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed has expressed interest in contesting for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s primary ticket for the 2028 presidential elections.
In a message to some members of the party, Shamheed said he was considering holding meetings to explore opportunities to secure the party's ticket for the 2028 election.
Shamheed, who was also the transport minister in 2012 on a Jumhooree Party slot, asked the recipients of his message to support him in the “first step” to secure the presidential ticket.
Some MPs confirmed to Mihaaru News that Shamheed sent the message. However, Shamsheed could not be reached for comment.
Former economic minister and MDP's chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has so far announced his interest in the MDP presidential ticket. He made the announcement in a message to the party's National Assembly's WhatsApp Group.
Some of the members who support former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are also posting on social media in support of him. However, Solih has not yet officially commented about the election or whether he considers running for a second term.
When asked the question on Raajje TV's "Fashaairu" program late last year, Solih said he had spoken to MDP leaders about his political future and shared his plans with them.
According to Solih, “four or five” members had already expressed interest in contesting the MDP presidential primary at the time. Describing it as a very good outcome, he said it was very important to hold a competitive internal election.