Former Chairperson of MDP 'Reeko' Moosa Manik has stated that he believes it would be best practice for Fayyaz Ismail to resign from the position of party Chairperson if he intends to contest in the primaries for the 2028 presidential election.
Former Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) 'Reeko' Moosa Manik has stated that he believes it would be best practice for Fayyaz Ismail to resign from the position of party Chairperson if he intends to contest in the primaries for the 2028 presidential election.
Fayyaz announced his intention to run for President following a general disagreement that arose amongst the party's leadership following MDP's X account sharing photos of some members of MDP's leadership visiting the fish market to hear concerns of fishermen. With his announcement, his supporters are now campaigning in aid of his candidacy.
Moosa, who holds political differences with Fayyaz, stated that the position of Chairperson in MDP is highly influential. He said that while about three years remain till the primaries, it is not justified to use party resources to campaign for it in the intervening time. He noted that it is the Chairperson who controls the parties operational resources and funds.
"If he has interest [in running in the primaries] then he should resign. Our MDP hails democracy and show that we abide by its principles. So it is not right to stay in a high position of the party and campaign from yesterday," Moosa said.
Moosa maintains that this is example that has been set in MDP's history as well. He recalled how in the first primary, former President Mohamed Nasheed has resigned from the party Chairperson position to contest against Moosa and Dr Mohamed Munawwar.
"That day, President Nasheed said he will wait until a decision is made in the election. So that is the principle MDP holds," Moosa said.
He went on to say that now is not the time to focus on internal elections, but rather the moment to work towards efficiently carrying out the responsibilities of an opposition. He pointed out that while the ruling party is conducting major membership drives, it is an area that MDP, too, needs work on.
"It is way too early to focus on primaries. There's still about three years and six months. MDP always holds primaries when a presidential election is near. This is not that time yet," Moosa said.
MDP President Abdulla Shahid also voiced discontent following Fayyaz's visit to the fish market yesterday. Shahid, who is also expected to contest in the primaries, was displeased that such an activity had been held without him being made aware of the fact.
It has been reported, however, that Fayyaz's visit to the fish market was not pre-planned. Instead, it was an impromptu visit made on invitation of a fishermen he had met.
While some believe former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will also run in MDP presidential primaries, he has not given any such indication so far.
He was recently asked the question in a talk show on Raajje TV, with his response being that he has discussed and shared his future plans in the political arena with leaders of MDP.
He said that about five individuals have already expressed interest in running for the ticket. Solih believes this is a positive outcome, emphasizing the importance of holding elections with healthy competition.
Sign In
