MDP to elect interim chairperson next Monday after previous session interrupted

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has scheduled a meeting of its National Council for next Monday night to elect a temporary Chairperson for the party.

Ibrahim Waheed (Iburey), the Vice Chairperson of the party, told "Mihaaru" that the meeting scheduled for Monday night is not a new National Council session, but a continuation of the meeting that was interrupted due to escalating tensions last Sunday night.

He confirmed that among the two individuals who had initially come forward and received endorsement for the Chairperson position, only Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, the Member of Parliament for the Hanimaadhoo constituency, remains in contention.

"The session being held on Monday night is not a new session. It will proceed as a continuation of the interrupted session. Therefore, a new individual cannot put their name forward," he stated.

Iburey indicated that another candidate could only challenge for the interim Chairperson position if Ghafoor does not gain sufficient support. The National Council meeting dedicated to electing an interim Chairperson was suspended after a contentious voting process.

This need for an interim Chair arose following the unexpected resignation of Fayyaz Ismail, who had served approximately four years. Initially, Ghafoor and Abdulla Waheed, the former MP for Dhihdhoo, were candidates for the position, while Mohamed Aslam sought the role despite not being a National Council member, raising doubts about his eligibility. Waheed’s candidacy was backed by the faction of former President Mohamed Nasheed, while Aslam was proposed by supporters of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

During the meeting, Waheed received 47 votes in favor, but a significant dispute erupted, preventing the opposing faction from voting on Aslam’s candidacy, leading to the session’s adjournment without a conclusion on his nomination.