Meekail Pledges National Council Role for MDP Councillors

MP for South Galolhu Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who is contesting for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson position, has pledged to ensure councillors elected on the party’s ticket are given representation in the party’s National Council.

He made the pledge while speaking at a campaign event held by his “Ithubaaru” (Trust) team at Bondibaiy Park last night.

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Meekail said councillors elected through the decentralised system are among the party’s key assets, but noted that no formal mechanism currently exists for them to contribute to the National Council, even as the party marks over two decades since its establishment.

He said this gap should be addressed through internal reform, adding that he would submit an amendment to the party congress if elected chairperson.

Meekail said he intends to introduce a formal framework through an amendment at the party congress that would ensure councillors elected on the MDP ticket are given a structured role in the party’s National Council. He said the reform would secure a space for councillors to participate in decision-making processes and contribute to the party’s internal governance, representing constituencies across the country from Haa Alifu Atoll, Thuraakunu, to Addu Atoll Gan.

Push for Decentralised Party Structure

Meekail also said he would work to reduce the party’s dependence on Malé by strengthening links between island branches, constituencies and the central office throughout the year, not only during elections.

He said the party’s internal operations must be improved to prepare for the 2028 presidential election, stressing that unity and organisational reform were necessary to secure victory.

Internal Reform and Party Unity

Speaking at the same event, Meekail said defeating President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s government alone would not be sufficient to bring national stability, adding that internal strengthening of the MDP was also essential.

He said the party must avoid repeating mistakes from the 2023 presidential election and warned against divisions within the party ranks. He also questioned whether members would want leadership from those he claimed contributed to internal difficulties.

Meekail said the chairperson role should focus on party administration rather than becoming a platform for presidential ambitions, adding that the position must remain neutral during presidential primaries.

He also called for efforts to maintain party unity ahead of 2028, stating that internal cohesion was essential to prevent President Muizzu from securing a second term.