The Parliamentary Group of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced today that they are endorsing Meekail Ahmed Naseem for the upcoming Chairperson election. 

Along with Meekail, the MDP PG Group has 12 members. 

At a press briefing held at the MDP Haruge (party hub) today, PG Leader and MP for South Hithadhoo Ibrahim Nazil said that Meekail being elected for a second parliamentary term in the 20th People's Majlis is testament to the trust the public has in him. 

"This was the result of the work he [Meekail] did for the party during the 19th People's Majlis, and even before that. He won in that constituency while we are the opposition, without an MDP administration. That is because of the deep trust the constituents have in Meekail," Nazil said. 

Meekail also spoke at the press briefing, emphasizing that he maintains a close connection with grassroots members and understands their sentiments. 

He said that through campaigns for the recent Local Council Elections, the PG Group had visited over 100 islands and met with general members of the party. 

Meekail went on to assure that if he were elected, no individual would be excluded from the party. 

As of now, two other candidates have announced their intention to run for the MDP Chairperson post: former President Mohamed Nasheed and former MDP Chair Alhan Fahmy. 

The deadline for candidacy is May 26, with the election scheduled for June 12.