Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has signed on to the former ruling and now opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Naseem signed on to the former ruling party during a ceremony held for the occasion on Thursday.

The ceremony was joined by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and MDP’s Chairperson and former Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail.

Naseem, who was the Vice president during Solih’s five-year term as president from 2018 to 2023, was with business tycoon Gasim Ibrahim’s Jumhooree Party (JP) for more than 16 years, until he left the party on 21 January 2024.

Naseem was known for his diligent service while working with Solih and showing sincerity and loyalty to the leadership during the previous administration.

The former president has applauded Naseem’s decision, and welcomed him to the MDP family.

Naseem, who is known to have set an example by completing his term as a loyal and honest vice president, also played a key role in the campaign for MDP candidate and now Mayor Adam Azim, in the recent Malé City mayoral by-election.

Hailing from the southern city of Fuvahmulah, Naseem entered the sphere of politics back in 2004 as the representative for Fuvahmulah constituency in the Special Parliament. He joined MDP for the first time back in 2005.