MDP to review reasons for loss in both major elections

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s National Council has decided last night to look into the reasons behind their loss in the last Presidential Election, as well as the recent Parliamentary Election, and to take action to rectify the situation.

In a press conference held last night, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail said that in the first National Council meeting of the party held after last month's election, a consensus has been reached to look into the reasons for their loss, and to compile a road map on how to go forward.

Fayyaz said that the future of MDP can only be structured after conducting a research into the reasons behind the major loss they faced in both the elections.

"Whether it is an issue with how we campaigned, or a fault of the leadership, or what are the changes that have come to the political scene in the Maldives...we will look into all of this before moving forward," Fayyaz said in response to a journalist's question whether the loss was a result of anti-campaigning on the part of MDP.

MDP's opponent, ruling People's National Congress (PNC) had also raised similar concerns during the recent elections, stating that MDP engaged 'less in campaigning, and more in anti-campaigning'.

Fayyaz, however, maintained that as an opposition, the party would also speak out about the wrongdoings of, or issues of concern about, the ruling party, stating that this is how MDP has always functioned.

Despite contesting for 89 seats, MDP only managed to win 12 seats in the recent parliamentary election. While PNC itself won 66 seats, it reaches 77 seats when counting in independent candidates who were previously their members and remain affiliated with them, and other members who are aligned with them. Seven independent candidates who won seats have signed to join PNC after the election. Hence, PNC will be holding super majority in the 20th People's Majlis.

While MDP has faced criticism for its campaign strategy, with some alleging their loss was due to their anti-campaigning, Fayyaz said last night that the truth of this will only be established after conducting said research.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and MDP President Abdulla Shahid claimed that MDP has never engaged in anti-campaigning. He claims that what MDP does is reveal the truth to the public.

"Now if some perceive the revealing of truth as anti-campaigning, there is nothing we can do about that. However, since its inception, MDP has always worked to bring the truth to the people," Shahid stated.