No-Confidence Motion Filed Against MDP Interim Chair Abdul Gafoor Moosa
Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Gafoor Moosa. | Photo: Peaple’s Majlis
A no-confidence motion has been submitted against the interim chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdul Gafoor Moosa, escalating existing internal tensions within the party.
The motion was backed by 55 council members, exceeding the minimum requirement of 31 signatures needed to formally submit a no-confidence motion. Party rules now require that a council meeting be convened as soon as possible to address the matter.
The motion comes amid a deepening rift within the MDP following disputes over party leadership and recent events, including controversy surrounding a rally held after the party’s victories in the April 4 local council and Women’s Development Committee elections.
🚨 ގިނަ އަދަދެއްގެ ގައުމީ މަޖިލިސް މެންބަރުން ސޮޔާއެކު އެމްޑީޕީގެ ވަގުތީ ޗެއާޕާސަންގެ މަގާމުން @mpgapo (ގަޕޯ) ވަކި ކުރަން ހުށައަޅައިފި.#ResignGapo pic.twitter.com/r1U32WY52t— Hussain Shafiu (@charly_thuthu) April 8, 2026
The dispute stems from Gafoor’s failure to facilitate speaking opportunities for former president Mohamed Nasheed and former party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail during the celebratory event. Gafoor said the programme followed a pre-set agenda focused on giving electoral candidates a chance to speak. Nasheed ultimately did not attend the event, and Fayyaz Ismail was also absent.
The development follows the recent removal of former vice chairperson Ibrahim Waheed by Gafoor, a move that has been widely contested within party ranks. Gafoor had stated he exercised his authority to dismiss council members without a general assembly vote.
Waheed, who has since spoken out against his dismissal, said he sought legal advice after receiving a letter informing him of his removal and subsequently moved to initiate the no-confidence motion. He maintains that his removal was unlawful and in violation of the party’s constitution.
He also alleged that his dismissal may have been linked to speculation that he would facilitate a leadership challenge against Gafoor, reportedly supported by former president and party founder Mohamed Nasheed.
The MDP has yet to officially comment on the no-confidence motion. The latest developments highlight growing divisions within the party as competing factions continue to challenge its leadership.
