Former Youth Minister Mahloof Leaves MDP

Former Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof has announced his decision to leave the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

In a post shared on Facebook, Mahloof described the move as a difficult choice, adding that some within the party are aware of the reasons behind his departure. He noted that he has been largely absent from party activities since the MDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election.

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Although he had been a vocal critic of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration on social media, Mahloof was recently seen alongside the president at a public event, drawing speculation over his political direction.

“It has been two years since I have not spoken on a political podium, appeared on television, or taken part in any political activities,” Mahloof wrote. He expressed gratitude to those who supported him following his decision, while apologising to those who opposed it. “Most of the criticism comes from those who attempted to alter the MDP government,” he added.

2015 ވަނަ އަހަރުން ފެށިގެން އެމްޑީޕީއާއެކު މަސައްކަތްކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ލިބުނު ކަމަށްޓަކައި އުފާކުރަމެވެ.

ވަކިން ޚާއްސަކޮށް ރައީސް ޞާލިހު ރާއްޖެއަށް ގެނެސްދެއްވި ތަރައްގީގެެ ބައިވެރިއެއްގެ ގޮތުން، އެމަނިކުފާނުގެ ކެބިނެޓުގައި ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ޚިދުމަތްކޮށް ގިނަ މަސައްކަތްތަކެއް…— Ahmed Mahloof (@AhmedMahloof) September 8, 2025

Mahloof, who began working with the opposition in 2015 while still serving as MP for South Galolhu from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), formally joined the MDP in 2018 when the party and its coalition partners won the presidential election. He said he believes no political party in the country maintains a consistent set of policies, nor do leaders adhere to a single ideology. He lamented that while he had been praised by some in the past, he is now criticised by the same people.

“Making the decision was quite challenging. However, I prefer not to dwell on the reasons for my separation. I believe that those who need to understand it will,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in government, Mahloof said he valued his experience as a cabinet minister during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration.

Mahloof first rose to prominence through the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) during the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. While he has not yet disclosed his future political plans, he remains active in sports-related initiatives.