Shahid: I’m not ‘calculating’ path to office, sole focus on party

MDP’s new leader, Abdulla Shahid, says he isn’t thinking about the 2028 presidential elections, and that his sole focus right now is on fulfilling his duties as the leader of the country’s main opposition party.

Shahid, a season diplomat who has served as the Speaker of Parliament and as the President of the UN General Assembly, is now one of the most popular figures within the MDP.

In an exclusive interview with 'Sun' in February, Shahid said he isn’t “calculating” a potential move to office in 2028.

He said that rather than his personal ambitions, he finds his responsibilities as MDP’s leader far more important.

“It’s a long way until 2028. It would be a mistake to calculate a move for then,” he said.

“I have been involved in politics for years now. So, I know five years is a long time in politics. Our entire focus right now is on the parliamentary elections.”

“We need to fulfill the responsibilities we have been charged with by general members of the party. The responsibility of strengthening this party,” he added.

Shahid began his political career by the side of former Maldivian leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He later joined MDP, and gained popularity during his time as Speaker of the Parliament. He had also been rumored to be a contender for the 2018 presidential election. But the party ultimately chose Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who went on to win the election.

Referring to that, Shahid said he has the courage to step back when the situation demands it. He said that he continues to prioritize the party over his personal ambitions.

“I am someone with the courage to step back when the situation demands it. I therefore am not operating under a particular plan, nor am I working for a specific position. I consider what is in the best interest of this party,” he said.

“I believe that it is in the best interest of the party to focus all our energy on the parliamentary election.”

MDP is contesting for all parliamentary seats, except for four. The party hopes to mimic its success in the 2019 election, when it secured a historic super majority in the Parliament.