The National Council of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided tonight to establish a six-member ad hoc committee to advise interim Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa. The committee includes former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The closed-door National Council meeting held tonight passed a resolution to form the committee. Members of this advisory committee are:
- Former President Mohamed Nasheed
- Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
- Interim Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo)
- MDP President Abdulla Shahid
- Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil
- Former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail
A National Council member revealed that the meeting, which lasted about an hour, went smoothly without any discord.
The six-member committee will remain in place until a permanent Chairperson is elected.
Another key decision made in tonight's National Council meeting was to grant a seat on the council to Nasheed. This opportunity arose when the council voted to grant a seat on the National Council to former presidents who led MDP administrations.
Nasheed has also been made an Advisor to the party. To date, only Solih served as a party advisor.
The MDP enacted these major changes in response to tensions that arose within the party after the conclusion of last Saturday's Local Council Elections.
Rifts arose when Nasheed was denied the opportunity to speak at MDP's election victory rally held last Monday. Following this, interim Chair Ghafoor summarily dismissed Deputy Chairperson Ibrahim Waheed and Legal Director Ahmed Mauroof. This then led to a 55-signature petition being submitted seeking the removal of the party's interim Chair.
