South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has stated that he has the endorsement of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's team in his bid for Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) Chairperson position.
MDP has been split into two factions, one backing Solih, and the other backing former President Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed rejoined the MDP last year, and the two leaders recently agreed to work together.
Nasheed has also since announced his intention to run for the position of Chairperson.
Several senior officials of the party attended the official launch of Meekail's 'Ithubaaru' [Trust] campaign yesterday afternoon, indicating that their support.
Solih did not attend the event. However, Meekail announced that he has the endorsement of Solih, MDP President Abdulla Shahid and former Vice President Faisal Naseem.
Members of Solih's faction that attended the event include MDP PG Group Leader South Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Nazil, South Hulhumale' MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed, North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), Vaikaradhoo MP Ibrahim Ziyad and Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir.
Meekail stated at the event that he is running for the post with the support of several members of the party's leadership. He stated that all MDP members would have confidence that regardless of whether he wins or loses this election, he would remain in the party.
Nasheed, meanwhile, recently held a press conference titled 'Bodu Badhalu' [Major Change] along with former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, where he announced his intention to run for the post of Chairperson.
The two proposed an alternate governance system for the country, where two distinct roles would be formed for Head of Government and Head of State.
Nasheed stated that he would endorse Fayyaz for the post of Head of Government, and expressed his interest in serving as Head of State.
Asked after the hybrid governance system proposed by Nasheed and Fayyaz, Meekail responded that the two had announced their proposal against determined policies of the party, without prior consultation with either the leadership or general members.
Meekail stated that his priority now is the Chairperson election, with his focus on how he will meet the responsibilities of the post and lead the party.
Besides Meekail, Nasheed and former MP Alhan Fahmy are contesting for the post of MDP Chairperson.
