Meekail Submits Candidacy for MDP Chairperson Post

Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem officially submitted his candidacy application for the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) chairperson position.

He made the announcement during a gathering organised by his “Ithubaaru” (Trust) campaign at the party’s main headquarters last evening.

The event was attended by a large number of MDP members and featured speeches from Meekail, MP Mauroof Zakir, former minister Aminath Shauna, former MDP President, Dr Ibrahim Didi, and MP Ibrahim Ziyad (Fittey).

Speaking at the gathering, Meekail said his campaign is focused on bringing changes long sought by party members and strengthening the MDP’s internal systems and transparency.

He said he was not contesting the position for personal gain or political bargaining, adding that his aim was to connect the concerns of ordinary party members with the party leadership.

“I am not aiming to see what I am owed when the Maldivian state’s powers are divided [amongst political leaders] like a pie,” he said.

Meekail also stressed the importance of ensuring a fair and impartial presidential primary ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

“When you look at the other candidates who are running in this election, the most fundamental role of a chairperson, the most fundamental responsibility of a chairperson, is to hold a just and fair primary election with integrity amongst the presidential candidates. How will someone other than me carry out this role?” he said.

His remarks referred to former President Mohamed Nasheed, who is also contesting the chairperson election and has publicly endorsed former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail as the MDP’s presidential candidate for 2028.

Meekail, who has the support of MDP’s parliamentary group, outlined several organisational issues he intends to address, including sustainable systems for rent payments, inventory management, databases, and membership records.

“The database of this party is an asset of the general members of this party. It is not something that should go missing with the revolving and resigning chairpersons,” he said.

He also urged supporters to maintain civility throughout the campaign and avoid insulting rival candidates.

“I would like to appeal to our supporters that this is an internal election of the party. I do not wish, for even a little bit, for words of harassment or jokes to be addressed to other candidates who are running in this election,” he said.

Meekail added that all factions within the party would need to work together in future elections and said sidelining members would not benefit any candidate.