Nasheed Joins Six-Member Committee to Lead MDP

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has brought back former President Mohamed Nasheed into its leadership last night, joining a six-member committee tasked with leading the party until a general election is held to appoint a chairperson.

The development follows internal tensions within the party after a rally held at Artificial Beach on 6 April to celebrate MDP’s victories in the local council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections held on 4 April. A public referendum held the same day saw voters reject the proposed Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, a position supported by the MDP.

Nasheed and former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail boycotted the event after they were not permitted to speak. MDP’s Interim Chairperson, Abdul Gafoor Moosa, had previously said the program followed a pre-set agenda focused on giving electoral candidates a chance to speak, and this was what he had informed both Nasheed and Fayyaz when they reached out requesting to speak at the ceremony. He had told them he would discuss the matter further before reaching out with a reply. This, however, led to disagreements among party leaders and dissatisfaction among members.

Following this, Abdul Gafoor Moosa dismissed MDP Vice Chairperson Ibrahim Waheed and Legal Director Ahmed Mauroof. In response, a no-confidence motion against him was submitted with the signatures of 55 council members.

The party leadership has since held discussions on resolving the dispute and restoring unity. A member of the MDP National Council confirmed to MV+ that a six-member body, named the Advisory Committee to the Interim Chairperson, was appointed in a closed-door meeting last night. 

The committee comprises Nasheed, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, MDP President Abdulla Shahid, Fayyaz Ismail, interim Chairperson Abdul Gafoor Moosa, and Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil.

The party amended its essential regulation to include Nasheed in the advisory committee. He has also been reinstated as a member of the MDP’s National Council.

Meanwhile, the no-confidence motion filed against interim Gafoor has been withdrawn, while he has also reinstated the members he dismissed.

Addressing the internal rift earlier, Solih said the party had been working towards a resolution and had identified a way forward. Nasheed later acknowledged the efforts of Solih and Fayyaz Ismail in resolving the dispute.