A meeting of the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) national congress has begun at Alifu Alifu atoll Ukulhas.

The party's Chairperson Ibrahim Waheed said a total of 81 of MDP members inclusive of senior officials and presidents of various committees are attending the meeting.

Ibrahim added added that discussions were carried out to improve the party's activities and operations.

This is the first national congress of MDP since its presidential election defeat in September.

Outgoing president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is out of country, was not in the meeting's attendance.

Parliament's current speaker Mohamed Aslam took part in the congress.

Ibrahim noted that they held the meeting at Ukulhas once again because of the convention center, in the island, providing sufficient space for such a congress.