"Some may want party stagnant during my leadership": Fayyaz

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has stated that some within the party may want it to remain stagnant under his leadership.

Fayyaz Ismail made these remarks during the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) National Assembly held on Wednesday night, where proposed amendments to the party's constitution sparked differing opinions among attendees. Those opposing the amendments argued that such changes should be passed at the party's Congress rather than the National Assembly.

The primary concern raised was that the amendments were being pushed for approval with only 42 out of 121 members present. This was not a real majority to pass amendments, some members said.

According to MDP's constitution, all amendments to the constitution must be passed at the Congress.

In response, Fayyaz said that Article 101 of the constitution allows the National Assembly to pass constitutional amendments in certain cases. He also added that these amendments were proposed with legal advice, based on the urgency of situation.

Congress can only be held next year, and these changes are absolutely necessary prior to that, he said.

Following the party's defeat in the presidential election, divisions within the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leadership have deepened, with internal conflicts increasingly spilling over onto social media. Amidst this turmoil, Fayyaz Ismail remarked on Wednesday night that "some people may want to interfere, slow down, and stop the party's operations."

However, this needs to change, he said.

"There is no way to hold a Congress that soon. It can be held early or mid next year. If [the amendments] are left to be passed at the Congress mid next year, it delays party operations," Fayyaz went on to say.

"Perhaps some people may want the party to stay stagnant right now under my leadership."

This statement comes amidst reports that Fayyaz and MDP's President Abdulla Shahid are at odds with each other, leading to the creation of factions within the party. Shahid had not attended the National Assembly.

Fayyaz, justifying the need to approve the amendments, said that the changes are already too late coming, and argued that they should not be delayed further because certain members were not present at the National Assembly.

"Members of the National Assembly have a huge responsibility towards running this party. All members have your responsibilities in front of you. So, [we cannot wait to pass the amendments] by disrespecting the members who are here and saying that more members need to be in attendance. It has been two to three months now," Fayyaz said.

He said that although there are challenges to run the party, he does not care about that now.

"There are challenges I face in running the party, as well as on the whole of Maldives' Twitter. There will always be people who try to fuel that, but I don't worry about it too much," Fayyaz said.

Amendments brought to the constitution

- Formulation of a National Consultative Council to advise the leadership

- Establishment of an assembly of councillors representing elected councillors from among party members

- Establishment of a party branch of Women's Development Committees

- Formation of island executive committees

Fayyaz said the aim right now is to strengthen the party. The party's philosophy is not to prove to certain people, he said, adding that he will do whatever is needed to run the party.