One of three announced candidates for the  Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson elections, South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has stated that he opposes the Chairperson elections being postponed again. 

Interim Chairperson of MDP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) tonight proposed postponing the party's Chairperson elections and National Council elections until after the presidential primaries, citing lack of funds to conduct the elections and the possibility of the elections leading to further discord within the party. 

Meekail's opposition to the move was announced in the wake of backlash against Ghafoor's proposal by the party's general members. 

Supporters of Meekail's rival, former President Mohamed Nasheed, are sharply criticizing Ghafoor's proposal, alleging it was intended to disrupt the election because Ghafoor knows Meekail cannot win against Nasheed. 

However, in a post on X, Meekail stated that postponing the elections is not acceptable to either him or any member of the party. 

"The election must proceed in accordance with the timeline announced by the party. Without playing the election in a manner to benefit certain persons, respect the decisions made by the committee. My team and I are fully ready for the election," Meekail wrote. 

Former MDP Chair Fayyaz Ismail, who is backing Nasheed, quoted Meekail's X post and wrote that there is no justifiable reason to postpone the election. As Ghafoor had claimed a lack of funds, Fayyaz retorted that the necessary funds can be raised. 

Meanwhile, Nasheed has stated that he is ready to take on the role of interim chair if it is acceptable to the party's leadership and national council. 

Nasheed stated this in response to a message from former Makunudhoo MP Mohamed Raaee in the National Council WhatsApp group, where he said he believes Nasheed should take on the role of interim chair until the presidential primaries are held.