Current MDP National Council Has No Legal Standing After Term Expires, Says Party’s Former Deputy Chair

Former MDP deputy chairperson Ahmed Abdulla has said the party’s current National Council has no legal standing following the expiry of its five-year term, potentially challenging decisions made by the body after the deadline.

“The members were elected to the current National Council of MDP for a five-year term ending on September 25, 2026. Beyond that date, the current National Council has no legal standing,” Ahmed said in a social media post.

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Mihaaru mioiy @MDPSecretariat ge gaumee majleehah membarun hovaafa vanee 25 September 2026 aa hamayah 5 aharuge muhdhathah. Edhuvahuve fahun mihaatuge Gm ge gaanoonee haisiyyatheh noannaane.— Ahmed Abdulla (@ahmedabdulla2a) September 21, 2026

His comments come as the MDP prepares for its presidential primary ahead of the 2028 presidential election, with former MDP president Abdulla Shahid, former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and South Hulhumalé MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed having announced their bids.

Ahmed is a senior figure in Shahid’s campaign. Shahid has been campaigning for the party’s presidential ticket since announcing his candidacy in August and has recently taken his campaign to Gaafu Dhaalu Guraidhoo.

Ahmed’s statement could raise questions over the validity of any resolutions or decisions passed by the current National Council after 25 September.

Fayyaz is contesting with the backing of MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed. Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has also expressed interest in contesting the primary but has yet to formally announce his candidacy. He met former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on September 20 to discuss the presidential race. 

The MDP is yet to hold its presidential primary, with the party leadership indicating that the election could be held early next year. 

The next presidential election is constitutionally scheduled for 17 November, 2028.

The development comes as the ruling PNC has already passed a resolution to award its presidential ticket to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu without holding an internal primary.