MDP to Elect New Chairperson After Local Council Polls

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to elect its new Chairperson after the local council election scheduled for April next year. This decision was proposed by Hoarafushi constituency President Ahmed Saleem during the party's National Council meeting on Monday night. Saleem suggested announcing the election date seven days after the local council polls, which are set for April 4 by the Elections Commission (EC). The motion passed with 58 votes in favor. Saleem and other members emphasized that holding the Chairperson election after the local council polls would allow the party to remain united and focused on the national elections. Meanwhile, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa was elected as the interim Chairperson of MDP. Ghafoor expressed gratitude to the members for their trust and thanked former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail for his service. Ghafoor's primary challenge will be to unify the party as it approaches the local council elections. The MDP is currently divided into two factions: one supporting former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the other supporting former President Mohamed Nasheed. Both factions are expected to field candidates for the Chairperson position. So far, Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem is the only candidate to officially announce his intention to contest.