MDP National Assembly to meet Monday to decide on motion to dismiss interim chair Gapo

The MDP National Assembly will convene on Monday to decide on the no‑confidence petition submitted by 55 members seeking the removal of Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) from the post of interim chairperson.

The party has not yet announced the time or venue of the meeting.

The petition was filed by members aligned with former President Mohamed Nasheed. It follows tensions that arose after Nasheed was not given the opportunity to speak at Monday night’s Heyvalla Thayyaaru rally, held to celebrate the MDP’s victory in Saturday’s local council elections.

The petition alleges that Ghafoor, who also represents Hanimaadhoo constituency in Parliament, has been making decisions “at the behest of another party.” It also accuses him of violating the party’s constitution by abruptly dismissing Legal Director Ahmed Mauroof and Deputy Chairperson Ibrahim Waheed (Iburey) without due process. The petition warns that such actions could create unrest within the party and undermine public trust.

In a message sent to the MDP National Assembly WhatsApp group, Ghafoor said he would not resign and called for the matter to be decided through a formal vote.

Under MDP rules, the chairperson can be removed by a simple majority of members present and voting at a National Assembly meeting. The council has 123 members, with a quorum of 31.