Meekail Says He Will Remain in MDP Regardless of Chair Election Result

Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who is contesting for the chairperson position of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has said he will remain in the party regardless of the outcome of the election.

Speaking at a press conference held by his “Ithubaaru” (Trust) campaign in Malé on 10 May 2026, Meekail said party members want a chairperson who is trusted and consistent in their word and actions.

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“One of the things the general members of MDP desire most is for a Chairperson who holds the trust of their word to come to this position,” he said.

Meekail said he had recently visited Raa and Baa atolls and highlighted concerns raised by party members during those trips. He also criticised rival campaigns, saying some candidates were focusing on proposals more suited to a presidential primary than the role of party chairperson.

He said broader state-level policy discussions should take place within the party’s National Council and be reflected in the 2028 presidential manifesto.

“To the general members, a Prime Minister doesn’t matter. It’s the same old books and pencils, the party’s ‘petty cash’. Ensuring that the party policy and people who have the assurance of remaining in the party take charge of the party. So, we will speak that truth repeatedly, and I would just like to reiterate that what is happening now is an election for an MDP Chairperson, this is not a presidential primary,” he said.

Meekail said voters in the islands had frequently asked whether candidates would remain in the party after the election, noting that trust among members had weakened following departures after the 2023 presidential primary.

He assured that he would remain in the MDP regardless of the result.

Responding to a question on holding the government accountable, Meekail said some of his opponents had previously expressed willingness to join President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet after the 2023 presidential election. He added that they had supported the government despite earlier political positions.

He said accountability required consistency in political positions and trustworthiness.

“The government can only be held accountable by someone who stays steadfast in one position, and someone who maintains their word when they speak and holds the trust of their word,” he said.

Meekail also referred to changes in positions taken by opponents on issues such as the Chagos dispute and the proposal to combine elections.

He added that the MDP was built through collective sacrifice, saying it was wrong to attribute its formation to any single individual. He cited figures such as the late ‘Gogo’ Latheef and the family of Evan Naseem as part of that history.

Meekail announced that the “Ithubaaru” campaign manifesto will be launched on the night of 14 May 2026 at Artificial Beach, inviting party members to attend the event.