MDP decides on holding congress ahead of August 15

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's National Council has voted last night in favour of holding the party's congress before August 15 this year.

In last night's MDP National Council meeting, this motion was passed with unanimous votes in favour by all 75 members present.

It is believed that the congress will decide on the party's stance and actions in relation to the next presidential election.

While MDP prepares to hold congress, it is believed that former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and MDP President Abdulla Shahid will contest in the party's primaries for the presidential ticket.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, meanwhile, has recently said that it is in the best interests of the nation and both parties for MDP and The Democrats to merge once again. While he has said this, many of his close associates in The Democrats have now rejoined MDP.

While MDP Chairperson Fayyaz welcomed this suggestion by Nasheed, Solih is yet to comment on the matter. The two former presidents had major differences in opinion in the run up to the previous presidential election, which ultimately led Nasheed to leave MDP and form the breakaway party The Democrats.