Meekail Naseem, who is contesting for the post of MDP Chairperson, has stated that if a person who supports a specific presidential candidate is elected as Chairperson, MDP will split again, and there is a high chance the party will also lose the 2028 presidential election.
In the letter Meekail has been sent to the general members of MDP, by referring to a person who supports a specific candidate, he is alluding to his opponent, former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Nasheed has announced his support for the party’s former Chairperson, Fayyaz Ismail, to be the MDP presidential candidate for the upcoming 2028 election. Furthermore, Nasheed and Fayyaz have been conducting a special campaign titled "Bodu Badhalu".
In the letter sent to MDP members since last Saturday, Nasheed’s rival candidate, Meekail, stated that MDP members are disappointed and dissatisfied with the results of the last presidential election and the 2024 Parliament elections.
Meekail, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for North Galolhu, stated that general members believe the relationship that should exist between the party leadership and the general membership has weakened. He added that members perceive divisions among various factions created within the party and feel that leaders prioritize their personal interests over the interests of the party.
He stated that due to these factors, it becomes difficult for the party to choose the best path, which negatively impacts the morale of the members and the enthusiasm for the party.
However, Meekail noted that even in that situation, the party achieved a great victory in the Council Elections held last April and the referendum regarding the merging of two elections.
"This is something that revealed what can be achieved if the party becomes a single entity," the letter stated.
Meekail said that if a candidate who supports a specific presidential candidate is elected to the post of Chairperson, there is a high fear that the party will split again, the chance of losing the 2028 presidential election will increase, and the party will once again be left on the streets.
Therefore, he stated that if he is elected to the post of Chairperson, he will strengthen the party's ranks, foster internal unity, and immediately begin the work of preparing for the next presidential election.
Meekail said he would have one hundred percent trust in the members of MDP. He also stated that under his chairpersonship, he would lead MDP to victory in the 2028 presidential election as well.
In the MDP Chairperson election to be held on the 12th of next month, the other candidates contesting alongside Meekail are former President Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed (Waadu) of Hudhuvilaage, L. Fonadhoo.
