Former President Mohamed Nasheed stated today that the side with the most support among MDP members can only be determined by holding the party’s chairperson election as soon as possible.
While meeting with some party members today for his campaign, Nasheed noted that there are individuals within the MDP who are dissatisfied with both him and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu). Nasheed stated that whether the majority of the party stands with his side or Solih’s side will only be revealed by holding this election soon.
Otherwise, Nasheed warned that the interests of the party could once again be compromised.
"If this election is not held, it will get much worse. It is truly difficult. Right now, for example, there is a group that is absolutely dissatisfied with President Solih within our party. There is another group that is absolutely dissatisfied with me, right within our party," Nasheed said.
"Therefore, we must take a proper vote on this and find out which side is the majority."
Nasheed said that if it remains unknown which side has the most support within the party, he and Solih would once again have to sit together at the same table and take a photo to appease the party members. However, Nasheed remarked that dissatisfaction would likely resurface about a week later.
"In my view, it would be much better for us if we hold this election and settle this matter," Nasheed said.
Following a proposal by the interim chairperson, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, to postpone the MDP chairperson election and establish a transitional arrangement, Nasheed has expressed his interest in taking over the party’s leadership.
Ghafoor proposed postponing the MDP chairperson election citing the need to maintain internal harmony and the current financial difficulties. In a message sent to the MDP National Council’s WhatsApp group, Ghafoor stated that he believes the National Council should propose and pass an "interim arrangement" after postponing the election.
Member for Galolhu South, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who is competing against Nasheed for the post of MDP chairperson, has also stated that he is opposed to postponing the election.
