Meekail announces bid for MDP chairperson

Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has announced his candidacy for the post of chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The position became vacant after the resignation of Fayyaz Ismail on 23 January, ending his four year tenure. The party has yet to set a date for the election.

In his announcement tonight, Meekail said the MDP leadership was seeking the “cooperation and support of its ordinary members in this important task of recruiting a new generation.”

Last night, the MDP National Assembly met to select an interim chairperson to serve until the election, but the meeting was adjourned amid disputes. Former Dhidhdhoo MP Abdulla Waheed received 47 votes out of 95 members present - one short of the 48 required to secure the nomination.

Former Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Aslam and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) were also on the list of potential interim candidates. The key point of contention was whether Aslam could serve as chairperson as he is not a member of the National Assembly.

Waheed’s nomination was put forward by supporters of former president Mohamed Nasheed, while the faction aligned with former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih sought to nominate Aslam and Ghafoor.