MDP Majority Can Only Be Determined Through Chairperson Election, Says Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed stated that the side with the majority support of members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) can only be determined by holding the party’s chairperson election soon.

Speaking at a meeting with party members during his campaign visit to Kinbidhoo in Thaa Atoll last night, Nasheed said there were members within the party dissatisfied with both him and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Nasheed said the only way to determine whether the majority of the party supported him or Solih was to hold the election quickly. Otherwise, he warned that the party’s interests could once again be compromised.

“It will get much worse if this election isn’t held. It’s truly difficult. For instance, right now, there are some in our party who are completely dissatisfied with President Solih. There are others in our party who are completely dissatisfied with me,” Nasheed said.

“So, in this matter, it’s time to take a proper vote and find out who is in the majority.”

Nasheed said that if it remained unclear which side held more support within the party, he and Solih could once again sit together for a photograph to appease party members. However, he said dissatisfaction would likely resurface within a week as party operations would continue as before.

“In my view, it is much better for us to hold this election and settle this,” Nasheed said.

Interim chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa has proposed postponing the MDP chairperson election and establishing a transitional arrangement, citing the need to maintain internal party harmony and ongoing financial difficulties faced by the party.

Nasheed said he understood the concerns raised over the difficulties of holding an election. However, he maintained that securing funding would not pose a significant obstacle, noting that many individuals and businesses in the Maldives who support the MDP could contribute financially to support the process.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for South Galolhu constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who is contesting against Nasheed for the post of MDP chairperson, has also stated that he opposes postponing the election.