Meekail vows to end the trend of using the MDP chairmanship as a stepping stone to presidency

Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem said Tuesday that the main opposition MDP’s chairman must focus on running the party and strengthening internal relations among its members.

Speaking at a rally in Maafannu for his Ithubaar campaign, Meekail said that if elected as chairman, he would end the long‑standing trend of using the post as a stepping stone to the Maldivian presidency.

“The MDP chairman should have full focus on running the party. It is the chairman’s primary duty to maintain the relationship between our members in the islands and the headquarters, between branches and constituencies across the country,” he said.

He added that if elected, he would shift the party’s centre of gravity away from Malé and mobilise its structures in the atolls.

@mKeyolhu @MRauf8686 @laamunaeematha @adamazim also with @MickailNaseem ????#Ithubaaru pic.twitter.com/Pfm2yQdWYG

— Amna Shath (SHATHS) (@AmnaShath) May 20, 2026

Meekail pledged to make the MDP the country’s largest and most youthful political party ahead of the next presidential election. He said he would allocate a portion of party funds to strengthen the youth wing, empower young activists, and support the women’s wing.

“I will ensure that you have the freedom to conduct your activities without pleading with the chairman or the MDP headquarters,” he said.

The MDP needs a new, younger generation to take the lead, Meekail said, adding that he is contesting the chairmanship in good faith.

“Honestly, I want to introduce this MDP to politics that is not corrupt and not full of deals. Unless this space is free from deals, the youth will not be able to participate. My aim is to make the MDP a political party that allows young people to take part and shape the future of this country,” he said.