Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) National Council passed a resolution last night to hold their congress in September.

Chairman of the MDP and former President Mohamed Nasheed issued the resolution during the National Council assembly to hold the congress on 19th September.

Some members expressed differences of opinion toward the resolution during the National Council's debate. Some members believe that as the National Council's term ends on 25th September, holding the National Council after the election may be the best course of action.

Nevertheless, Nasheed said he wants to hold the congress before the National Council's election as the decision has already been made to bring changes to their general regulations during congress, with amendments to be made to the structure of the National Council.

Nasheed's proposal was passed during last night's National Council assembly, where 52 members out of 63 members voted in favor of it.

After the vote, Nasheed said efforts will move forward to hold the party's congress on 19th September, and the National Council's election will take place after the congress and before the term is up.

The top priority during the congress will be to make a decision regarding the Presidential Election's primary. It is estimated that they will pass for the primary to be held next year.

Nasheed stated that there will be major amendments to MDP's general regulations. There is a possibility that the amendments will include a clause where MDP's Chairperson will not be able to run in the presidential primary. 

As MDP's congress is to be held on 19th September, the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has decided to hold their congress from 15th September to 18th September.