Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has stated that the party needs what he calls the “Nasheed Effect” to regain electoral success and push forward its reform agenda.

Speaking at a campaign rally for former President Mohamed Nasheed in Kulhudhuffushi City on Monday night, Fayyaz mentioned that efforts to reform both the party and the nation have been ongoing for the past two years.

He explained that discussions about reform started after the MDP lost both the 2023 presidential election and the subsequent parliamentary election.

During a visit to Kulhudhuffushi to discuss the party’s future, Fayyaz said that a group of local MDP members urged him to bring Nasheed back into the party.

Fayyaz noted that Nasheed has since rejoined the MDP and is now competing in the party’s chairperson election.

The former Economic Minister said he has spent the last two years promoting a reform agenda under the theme “The Big Change,” aimed at tackling issues facing both the party and the country.

“Few political leaders were willing to listen to this. Nasheed was the one who listened and offered his support so I could move forward with these efforts,” Fayyaz stated.

He emphasized that the reform program focuses on changes to governance and political structures, while also addressing challenges the MDP faces when it is out of government.

Fayyaz clarified that his involvement in the campaign is not driven by a desire for political office or personal power. 

He added that internal party matters will continue to be handled through established procedures but argued that the party currently lacks a crucial element that contributed to its past success.

“The missing piece is what we call the President Mohamed Nasheed Effect. That spirit is missing right now. We can only reach our goals by reviving that MDP spirit, with a leader of political influence taking charge,” he said.

Fayyaz further stressed that strengthening the MDP is essential if the party aims to return to power in the future.

He warned against assuming that victory in the 2028 presidential election will automatically go to any candidate nominated by the party.

According to Fayyaz, the reform efforts led by himself and Nasheed are meant to bolster both the party and the wider political system.

Wrapping up his remarks, he said that Maldivian political competition revolves around two opposing visions—what he described as the politics of freedom versus the politics of control—and that unity within the MDP will be vital for challenging the current government.

Nasheed is currently contesting the MDP chairperson election against South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem. The election is scheduled for June 12.