Fayyaz showed courage from MDP's start: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has strongly praised Fayyaz Ismail, who resigned as Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson last night. 

Fayyaz, who was elected as MDP Chairperson in May 2022, announced his resignation at last night's MDP National Council meeting. 

Following Fayyaz's sudden resignation, Nasheed shared a post on X stating that Fayyaz had served MDP with courage since the party's inception. 

"Even when he had to go to jail, he did so without hesitation," Nasheed said, wishing Fayyaz future success with the party. 

Following rifts between himself and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nasheed formed a breakaway party, The Democrats. In June this year, Nasheed returned to MDP. 

Fayyaz played a key role in bringing back Nasheed and many of his close associates to MDP. 

However, in his speech last night, Fayyaz indirectly spoke of how relations between the two factions of the party had failed to improve even with Nasheed's return to MDP. 

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.

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.