Seeking payback for grievances won't take us forward: Fayyaz

Resigning as MDP Chairperson last night, Fayyaz said his main priority while in office had been fostering unity and bridging internal divisions within the party. He added that seeking payback for past grievances would not move the party forward. 

Fayyaz, who presided over last night's MDP National Council meeting, announced his resignation in his closing speech. Following the close of the meeting, he resigned and confirmed it on social media. 

Last night's MDP National Council meeting was closed to media. At the meeting, Fayyaz outlined his work since assuming the post of Chairperson on May 23, 2022. He especially focused on efforts to resolve the rift between former presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Mohamed Nasheed. 

Fayyaz asserted that he had always worked to heal the internal division within MDP. He opined that MDP could only reach success in upcoming elections if they are able to resolve the split, and work as a united force. 

"I don't see us making any progress through seeking payback for past heartaches. As I see it, political leaders must be able to rise above such sentiments. They must rise above such sentiments and make decisions that will be in the best interests of the people. These leaders are you," Fayyaz addressed the 60 or so National Council members in attendance last night. 

Fayyaz said that it is the party's leadership and National Council members who must resolve the internal discord within the party. 

He then concluded his speech with the announcement of his resignation. 

In speaking about the irreconcilable rifts within MDP, Fayyaz appears to be referring to the unresolved discord between Solih and Nasheed. Despite Nasheed having returned to MDP on June 23 this year, relations between him and Solih still remain strained. 

Fayyaz is so far the only person to have officially announced that he will be competing in the MDP primaries for the presidential ticket. 

He noted this in his speech last night, and revealed that he had faced many challenges in party work since the announcement. 

One such challenge, he said, was others interested in running for the ticket describing everything he did as Chairperson as something that would benefit him, and casting a shadow on the party's progress. 

Fayyaz's resignation comes at a time when there is strong competition within the party for the Male' Mayor primary ticket. The two candidates contesting for the ticket are current Mayor Adam Azim and former MP Ali Azim. 

While Adam Azim appears to be backed by supporters of Solih, Ali Azim is running with backing from Nasheed supporters.