MDP president Abdulla Shahid, who has announced he will contest the party’s presidential primary, has secured the full backing of the presidents of the Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) of the Maldives’ two largest cities.

Malé City WDC president Aishath Reesha and Addu City WDC president Fathimath Hijra have both said they will support Shahid in the upcoming primary. Several councillors from Addu and Malé have also publicly declared their support.

Ahead of receiving these endorsements, Shahid travelled to Addu City last Friday, where he met with senior MDP figures, councillors, and members of the Women’s Development Committee to discuss the party’s future.

Since announcing his bid for the MDP ticket in the 2028 presidential election, Shahid’s support among party members and constituency leaders has been growing by the day.