MDP Votes to Hold Chairperson Election After April 2026 Local Council Polls

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council has voted to hold the election for the party’s chairperson after the upcoming local council elections scheduled for April 2026.

During a National Council meeting held last night, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Gafoor Moosa was elected interim chairperson. Gafoor was chosen to fill the vacancy left by former economic minister Fayyaz Ismail, who recently resigned from the post.

At the meeting, former Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem proposed that the party elect a permanent chairperson only after the local council elections. Saleem suggested that a date for the chairperson election be set within seven days following the local polls, which are scheduled to take place on 4 April 2026.

The motion was approved by the National Council, with 58 members voting in favour.

Several members who spoke during the meeting, including Saleem, said the decision to postpone the chairperson election was aimed at ensuring the party remains focused on contesting the local council elections as a unified force.

So far, Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Nasym has announced his interest in contesting the chairperson position.