MDP opens application for Chairperson position, election in Feb

Main opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has opened application for its now vacant Chairperson position, announcing that the vote to elect a new Chairperson would be held on February 5, 2017.

MDP announced application process will be open from December 7 to 14.

The Chairperson position lays vacant after Ali Waheed – who is living in self-exile in UK –handed in his resignation “for the good of the party considering current situation”.

Ali Waheed said he wanted to pave way for someone stationed in Maldives, and someone who is able to devote more time to take over party leadership.

He also stepped down as Deputy Leader of Maldives United Opposition (MUO).

Ali Waheed had his Maldivian passport revoked by Immigration on September 22. He was later formally charged under Anti-Terrorism Act in October.

Ali Waheed exiled himself to UK immediately after he was released by police after his arrest after the Labor Day protest in Male’ in 2015.