Bid to postpone chairperson election citing lack of funds, obstruction to hold govt. accountable

The interim Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) has proposed that the party’s internal election for the Chairperson position be postponed, citing non-receipt of government funds and concerns that internal rivalry at this time could undermine efforts to effectively hold the government accountable.

In a message to MDP National Council’s WhatsApp group, Ghafoor stressed that proceeding with the election under current circumstances could disrupt internal cohesion and hinder the party’s principal function as an opposition tasked with holding the government accountable.

"Regarding the chairperson election and the constituency elections, my recommendation is to hold them following the presidential primary. If these two elections are held now, it could jeopardize the party's internal stability, thereby impeding our efforts to hold the government accountable," the message read.

Ghafoor further noted that the party has yet to receive any of the funds allocated by the government for the current year. As a result, he emphasized that the party presently lacks the financial capacity to sustain its operations or conduct an election.

He also called upon senior party members—excluding himself—to engage in discussions on the party’s administrative direction and to present their proposal to the National Council.

The Chairperson position is contested by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, and former MDP President Mohamed Nasheed. Although Alhan Fahmy had previously indicated interest in the role, he has since withdrawn from the race.

Internal divisions within MDP have become increasingly pronounced, as Mohamed Nasheed’s faction advances its campaign under the banner "Bodu Badhalu". Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has publicly endorsed Nasheed. At a joint press conference, Nasheed and Fayyaz presented a series of proposed structural reforms to the nation’s system of governance, including a plan to separate the offices of Head of State and Head of Government.

At the same time, Meekail Ahmed Naseem is running a vigorous campaign under the slogan "Ithubaaru" having secured considerable backing from members of the MDP Parliamentary Group.