Nasheed: Ready to assume interim chairpersonship if approved by National Council

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who previously served as main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s leader, has expressed his willingness to assume the role of interim Chairperson, provided he has the backing of the party's National Council.

MDP had originally scheduled the chairperson election for June 11^th.

However, earlier tonight, the current interim Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) proposed to delay the election citing non-receipt of government funds and concerns that internal rivalry at this time could undermine efforts to effectively hold the government accountable.

Following this development, former Makunudhoo MP Mohamed Raai, suggested in the MDP National Council’s WhatsApp group that if the party’s senior leadership and the National Council were in agreement, an individual should be appointed to lead the party as interim chairperson until the presidential primary is held.

In response, Nasheed expressed his readiness to step into the role.

"If the National Council approves, I have no objection to assuming the role of interim chairperson," Nasheed stated.

The contest for the permanent Chairperson position remains a race between Nasheed and South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem. Although Alhan Fahmy had previously indicated interest in the role, he has since withdrawn from the race.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.