Nasheed and Fayyaz: Interim leaders have obstructed prospective votes for chairpersonship

Former president Mohamed Nasheed and former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, on Thursday alleged that the “interim leadership” of the main opposition party has deliberately impeded an anticipated influx of new members seeking to join the party ahead of forthcoming internal election for the party’s chairpersonship.

On Wednesday, MDP announced that the election for the chairperson would be held on June 12 and began accepting applications for the position. However, the party stipulated that eligibility to vote in the election would be restricted to individuals registered as members by the conclusion of that day.

The position of MDP Chairperson became vacant following the resignation of Fayyaz on November 23 of last year; he had originally assumed the role on May 23, 2022. Subsequently, with Fayyaz’s endorsement, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo), was appointed acting chairperson.

Ghafoor’s appointment was backed by MDP faction aligned with former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. In recent weeks, political tensions between Solih and Nasheed have intensified. This discord culminated in a motion seeking Ghafoor’s removal; however, the motion was subsequently withdrawn following negotiations aimed at facilitating Nasheed’s inclusion in the National Council and broader administrative structures of the party.

In the aftermath of these developments, Nasheed and Fayyaz publicly unveiled their proposed amendments to the party’s governance framework and Constitution on Sunday. They further declared their respective candidacies, with Nasheed contesting the chairpersonship and Fayyaz for 2028 presidency.

Nasheed’s declaration followed closely after South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, had already announced his candidacy for the chairperson position. Members affiliated with the Solih faction have increasingly articulated their support for Meekail.

As Nasheed initiated his campaign for the chairpersonship, his supporters simultaneously launched membership drives aimed at expanding the party’s base. In a video circulated via Facebook today, Nasheed expressed satisfaction at the substantial number of individuals who had enrolled as members the previous day.

He underscored that the fundamental objective of conducting competitive internal elections within the MDP is to broaden the party’s membership base. Nevertheless, he conveyed disappointment regarding the decision to curtail the timeframe for new member registration and eligibility to participate as voters.

"It is deeply regrettable that the party’s interim leaders shortened the timeframe with the intent of hindering more people from joining. However, the public is more astute and will not be caught in such traps. More than 10,000 new members have joined, and I extend a warm welcome to all of them," Nasheed stated.

Nasheed further conveyed his optimism regarding future collaboration with the newly registered members.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Fayyaz observed that party membership had increased from 44,000 on Tuesday to 50,000 by the following day.

"Had this been managed more thoughtfully and with a broader opportunity, we have lost the chance to increase the party’s membership to 60,000," Fayyaz remarked.

Internal rift within the MDP is intensifying, encompassing not only the chairpersonship but also the party’s presidential ticket. Both Solih and the party’s President, Abdulla Shahid, have are vying presidential ticket.

Tensions between Solih and Nasheed had previously precipitated a significant division within the party in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, culminating in Nasheed’s departure to establish a separate political party. He formally rejoined the MDP in June last year.