MDP internal rifts obstructs efforts to hold government accountable: Fayyaz

Fayyaz Ismail, who stepped down as MDP Chairperson last night, said internal rifts have hindered the party from properly fulfilling its role as opposition. 

Fayyaz's resignation letter reads that he is the only individual to have so far officially announced his candidacy for the MDP primaries for the 2028 presidential election. Fayyaz wrote that with there being others in the party who intend to run in these primaries, he has faced challenges in party administration. 

Fayyaz said that his announcing candidacy had led to general members raising questions about the motives behind party activities. 

Fayyaz said that despite MDP's efforts over the past two years to oppose President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration, differing opinions among members have caused dissatisfaction and hindered the party's work.

"I will always raise the nation and the party's interests above that of my own," Fayyaz asserted. 

Fayyaz said that he resigned from the post of Chairperson to bring an end to the view that he is an obstruction to conducting party affairs by the party's advisor and president. 

Fayyaz expressed his opinion that changing the party's administrative structure as defined in the party roadmap is crucial, so as to have a single leader. 

"Three swords cannot be kept in one sheath," Fayyaz wrote. 

Fayyaz further said that the party's standing order should be amended to read that the party leader cannot hold any State positions, and must remain at all times committed to party administration. 

He added that the party must foster unity among all its members, including those who returned with former President Mohamed Nasheed, and work collectively to save the nation from decline. 

"The sad thing is, even today we are seeing personal grievances taking precedence over national and party interests. Political leaders must be able to rise above such sentiments and work to guarantee citizens' rights. They must be an example to general members. Those leaders are you. The brave general members of this party will do that work with you," Fayyaz said. 

Fayyaz said that MDP members had revolutionized Maldives' political sphere and brought positive changes for the country and its people. There is no reason why this cannot be done again, he said. 

Even in announcing his resignation last night, Fayyaz stressed upon the obstruction that unresolved internal conflicts were causing. 

"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.