Voting has begun in the chairperson election of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), following one of the party's most intense internal campaigns in recent years.

Polling opened at 2:30 pm and will continue until 8:30 pm.

The election pits former President Mohamed Nasheed against Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem in a race widely viewed as a battle over the future direction of the party.

Nasheed returned to the MDP earlier this year after leaving to form The Democrats, while Meekail has campaigned with a focus on youth leadership within the party.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who has been politically at odds with Nasheed in recent years, backed Meekail's campaign.

The campaign period saw both candidates and their supporters engage in sharp exchanges as the race intensified.

Voting is being held across all inhabited islands of the Maldives, with party members residing in Sri Lanka also eligible to cast their ballots.

A total of 241 ballot boxes have been placed for the election, including 240 across the Maldives and one in Sri Lanka.

Throughout the campaign, Meekail argued that power within the party had become concentrated among a small group of individuals and pledged to create greater opportunities for young members. At his closing campaign event, he said the role of youth in politics should extend beyond supporting senior leaders and promised to bring younger voices into the party's leadership structure.

Nasheed, meanwhile, highlighted his experience in leading the party and expressed confidence in securing victory.

According to the Elections Commission, MDP currently has 43,784 registered members. However, the party has said that 48,912 members are eligible to vote in today's election.

The outcome of the contest is expected to play a significant role in shaping the party's direction ahead of the next presidential election.