MDP Opens Applications for Chairperson Amid Internal Leadership Contest

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has opened applications for the position of chairperson, with submissions accepted until 2 pm on May 2, ahead of the election scheduled for June 12. 

The position became vacant following the resignation of former chair Fayyaz Ismail in November last year. The party is currently being led in an interim capacity by Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Gafoor Moosa.

However, internal tensions within the party have escalated, with a no-confidence motion against Gafoor submitted by 55 council members. 

The dispute comes amid a widening rift within the MDP over leadership and recent party events, including controversy surrounding a post-election rally held after the party’s victories in the April 4 local council and Women’s Development Committee elections. The motion reportedly followed claims that Gafoor declined to allow former president Mohamed Nasheed and Fayyaz Ismail to speak at the event. 

So far, South Galolhu MP Meekail Naseem and former president Mohamed Nasheed have announced their candidacies for the party chairmanship. Nasheed has also endorsed Fayyaz Ismail as the party’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election.

Meekail officially launched his bid under the “Ithubaaru” campaign last night, having first declared his intention to contest in November last year. He has called for party support, positioning his campaign around leadership renewal.

Meekail, one of the party’s younger figures, was first elected to the 19th Parliament and re-elected to the 20th Parliament. Nasheed, who served as president from 2008 to 2012, later held the post of Speaker of Parliament during the administration of former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.  

Nasheed is currently campaigning in the atolls alongside Fayyaz.