Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed has identified theft, corruption and abuse of state resources as key practices the party must avoid if it returns to government in 2028.

Nasheed, a founding member of the MDP and the party's first presidential election winner in 2008, made the remarks during SSTV's Baaru Hathareh program while discussing lessons the party should take into its next administration.

He also stressed that future MDP governments should recognize individuals who contributed significantly to the party's rise to power and avoid sidelining them after taking office.

Nasheed said this did not mean automatically assigning senior government positions to party activists, but emphasized that contributors should not be forgotten once a government is formed.

The MDP chairperson also called for an approach that avoids politically targeting former presidents while maintaining accountability for any wrongdoing.

His comments come as competition intensifies within the MDP over its presidential nomination for 2028.

Nasheed has endorsed former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and expressed confidence in his prospects, while saying he would support whoever ultimately wins the party's primary.

The MDP has faced criticism over alleged corruption and financial mismanagement during its previous periods in government.

State-owned companies established or operated under successive administrations have been the subject of audits and allegations involving questionable spending, contracting and financial controls.

Nasheed's remarks therefore place greater emphasis on accountability, transparency and the management of state-owned enterprises as the party considers its strategy for a potential return to power.