Fayyaz Ismail, the Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and former Minister of Economic Development, has announced his decision to contest in the party's primary to select a candidate for the upcoming 2028 presidential election.

Fayyaz announced his candidacy for the presidential primary in a message sent today to the WhatsApp group of MDP's National Council members.

"For everyone's attention. I have decided to contest in the 2028 presidential primary. I request your support," Fayyaz said in the message he sent.

Fayyaz has made this decision following a recent interview he gave to "Adhadhu" newspaper about this matter. However, in that interview given this week, Fayyaz had said that he had not yet decided about contesting in the 2028 presidential election.

In addition to Fayyaz, there are rumors that MDP President and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid is also working to contest in the primary. However, so far, Fayyaz is the only person who has officially announced his candidacy.