Iburey says he has been sidelined from MDP’s campaign duties since council elections

Ibrahim Waheed (Iburey), the deputy chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), says that while the party’s constitution states that campaign activities must be led by the deputy chairperson (administration), he had had those duties “taken” from him since the local council elections campaign.

The remark comes as Ibrey faces criticism for joining former President Mohamed Nasheed on his campaign trail as he runs for chairpersonship of the main opposition party.

South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who is running against Nasheed for chairpersonship, has asked the party’s leadership to take action against Ibrey for failing to maintain neutrality in the election.

Iburey told Sun that he had his responsibilities “taken” from him since before the local council elections.

“All campaign activities were assigned to the DCP (administration) as per the constitution. But the local council elections campaign was run after sidelining me and assigning it to a member of the parliamentary group. I had been relieved of the duties as of that moment, right?” he said.

MDP as two deputy chairpersons, one for administrative affairs and one for financial affairs.

According to the MDP’s constitution, the party’s deputy chairperson (administration), is in charge of managing the party’s membership, and organizing, running and managing campaign activities under the supervision of the chairperson.

Iburey said that while the constitution bars administrative employees from getting involved in campaign activities, it does not prohibit elected officials from campaigning.

“It is not prohibited under any regulation,” he said.

In a letter to interim chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) on April 26, Meekail said that he had received complaints regarding Ibrey’s active involvement in Nasheed’s campaign, and that photos and videos on social media confirm this.

He urged Iburey to step aside from the responsibilities of his position until the chairpersonship campaign is over.

Meekail also said that given that Ibrey, as the deputy chairperson (administration), is in charge of boosting membership and running campaign activities, he should maintain a neutral stance during internal elections.

Meekail said that Iburey’s decision to endorse a candidate undermines the integrity of the election, and gives one candidate an unfair advantage over others.

He asked for the party investigate the issue as soon as possible, and take action in accordance with rules and regulations.