MDP Leadership Reaches Agreement to Resolve Internal Rift, Says Former President Solih
MDP leadership present at the rally held in Artificial Beach, Malé, on April 6, 2026 | Photo: MDP
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the Maldivian Democratic Party leadership has reached an agreement to address the internal rift that had led to discontent among its members.
Speaking at a party meeting held in Hinnavaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, last night, Solih congratulated MDP candidates in Hinnavaru who secured seats in the island council and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC). He also acknowledged that the internal disagreement among the party’s leadership in recent days had left general members disappointed, adding that efforts were underway to resolve the matter.
The dispute followed a celebratory rally held by the MDP at Artificial Beach in Malé on 6 April after its victory in the local council and WDC elections held on 4 April. Former President Mohamed Nasheed and former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail were not allowed to speak at the event, which triggered tensions within the party. The situation escalated further, with moves also beginning to remove interim Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa from his post.
Solih said the issue was the kind of issue that always seems to arise within MDP.
“Once again, we have encountered the kind of internal disagreements that always seem to occur within the MDP. However, this time, it resulted in a very significant sense of disappointment for the general members, as I mentioned,” he said.
“From that day forward, we have not remained without discussing or talking about the matter.”
Solih also said efforts were being made to resolve the matter promptly without excluding anyone, stressing the importance of focusing on shared goals and public priorities. He added that, with progress, an MDP-led administration could return to office in 2028.
“God willing, the MDP will move forward with our leadership united together to win the 2028 presidential election,” he said.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed, in a post on X, thanked Solih and Fayyaz Ismail for their efforts to resolve the internal rift.
@MDPSecretariat ge ethereyge khilaaf thah hamajehssevumah Fayyaz Ismail @faya_i kurehvi bura masahkathah shukuru dhannavan. Raees Solih @ibusolih aai Party ge Raees Abdulla Shahid @abdulla_shahid ah ves marhabaa dhannavan.— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) April 11, 2026
Solih further said the party should recognise that the public had already chosen its representatives and expressed its stance in the referendum, indicating a rejection of the current administration.
