MDP elects Abdul Ghafoor as interim chairperson

Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo), Member of Parliament for the Hanimaadhoo constituency, has been elected tonight as the interim Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Ghafoor was elected to the position of interim Chairperson during a session of the party's National Council, securing 65 votes out of the 66 members who participated in the vote.

The National Council had previously convened on November 30th to elect an interim chairperson, but that session was adjourned due to heated discussions. Tonight's session resumed from where the previous one left off.

At the time the previous session was halted, two names had been proposed and endorsed for the position: Ghafoor and former Didhdhoo MP Abdullah Waheed. However, Waheed subsequently withdrew his name, leaving Ghafoor as the sole nominee for tonight's vote.

The National Council meeting was called to elect someone to temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Chairperson after the incumbent, Fayyaz Ismail, who had held the post for about four years, resigned abruptly.

Upon assuming the role of interim Chairperson, the first agenda item for tonight's session was a debate concerning the process for holding the election for a permanent MDP Chairperson. Many members who participated in the debate welcomed Ghafoor and expressed their confidence in his leadership.

Fayyaz Ismail, the outgoing Chairperson, pledged his full cooperation and assistance to Ghafoor in his work as the interim leader.

"I thank you, on behalf of our members, for taking on the role of Chairperson during this difficult time. And I also assure you, at this opportunity, of my full cooperation and support for your work," Fayyaz said.