Nasheed denied speaking slot at MDP celebration, sparking internal tension

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Mohamed Nasheed has been denied the opportunity to speak at a function celebrating the party’s victory in the recent local council elections, sparking tension within the party.

The initial agenda for the event included speeches by former President Nasheed, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the five MDP mayors who retained their seats, and MDP interim chairman, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa.

However, the agenda was abruptly revised, removing the speeches of Nasheed and Solih. The updated agenda now lists speeches by the five mayors, Ghafoor, and party president Abdulla Shahid.

The sudden change, made without informing Nasheed, has caused significant friction inside the party. Many of Nasheed’s supporters have also said they will not attend Monday’s rally.

In a message to an MDP WhatsApp group, former MDP chairman Fayyaz Ismail said he was invited on Sunday to speak at the event.

“I told the chair on Sunday that if I was given the opportunity, there would be problems. He said it was his decision. ‘I will decide’. Either way, even if I was not given the opportunity to strengthen the party’s friendship at this momentous occasion, I think it is important to give it to President Nasheed. I wish everyone a successful meeting,” Fayyaz.

MDP’s mayors in all five cities defeated government‑backed candidates in Saturday’s elections. The opposition party also secured most city council seats and the majority of women’s development committee presidencies.

The results mark a major setback for the government, and a significant boost for the MDP, which had been politically weakened in recent years.

Following the party’s heavy defeat in the 2023 presidential election, internal divisions deepened, splitting the party into factions aligned with Nasheed and Solih. Nasheed and his loyalists eventually left the party, leaving the MDP fractured.

However, this is the first election the MDP has won since Nasheed returned to the party along with the members who had left with him.