Waheed withdraws candidacy for MDP interim chairperson, citing obstacles from Solih and Shahid

Former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Dhihdhoo constituency, Abdulla Waheed, has announced his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the interim Chairperson position of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), citing anticipated obstructions from the party's Advisor, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu), Party President Abdulla Shahid, and members of the Parliamentary Group.

He announced his decision in a letter sent to MDP President Shahid today.

The Chairperson position of the main opposition party, the MDP, became vacant when Fayyaz Ismail, who had held the post for about four years, resigned abruptly on the 23rd of this month. A National Council meeting was held last Friday night to decide on an interim replacement. Although Waheed's name was put forward for a vote, the meeting descended into chaos and was adjourned prematurely.

During the meeting, Waheed received 47 votes to be appointed as the interim Chairperson. However, arguing that one vote was missing to pass the motion, the dispute between the party's two factions escalated, leading to the meeting's adjournment amid disorder.

In his letter to Party President Shahid, Waheed highlighted these events and stated that his candidacy for the interim position was initially proposed by a Parliamentary Group member. He confirmed that he sought the opinion of both Advisor Solih and President Shahid via message.

"Accordingly, both individuals responded to me, instructing me to move forward with the matter and confirming their support for it," Waheed stated in his letter.

However, Waheed now says he is certain that Solih and Shahid's actions leading up to the vote, and their subsequent conduct, would create significant hurdles for him in fulfilling the duties of the interim Chairperson.

Waheed stated that despite securing the vote for the interim Chairperson position, he decided to withdraw his candidacy due to the aforementioned reasons. He emphasized that this decision was made to establish unity within the MDP.

"I urge the Party President and Advisor to ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future, and to conduct them in a manner that supports the party's unity," the letter concluded.

Waheed’s candidacy for interim chairperson was backed by the faction within the MDP that supports former President Mohamed Nasheed. Fayyaz and other members aligned with him have also now thrown their support behind Nasheed.

Solih's faction reportedly attempted to put forward former MP for North Hithadhoo, Mohamed Aslam, and MP for Hanimaadhoo, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo), as interim candidates. However, the opposing faction raised questions about Aslam's eligibility to serve as Chairperson since he is not a member of the National Council, which led to a major dispute and the adjournment of Friday night's National Council meeting amid heated arguments.

The primary reason for Fayyaz's resignation as MDP Chairperson was the political conflict between the two former Presidents, Nasheed and Solih. The disagreement and conflict also revolve around the discussion of the MDP's candidate for the upcoming 2028 Presidential Election.