Nasheed: MDP Chair Should Not Contest Presidency

Former President and President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mohamed Nasheed, has said that he does not believe it is appropriate for the party’s chairperson to contest the MDP presidential ticket while holding that position.

Nasheed made these remarks while speaking to journalists about the MDP’s internal elections and party affairs.

He stated that the MDP is working to hold its party congress in September this year. He also confirmed that the election for the party’s National Council will take place on the scheduled date, assuring that there will be no delays or changes to the timetable.

Speaking about the sequence of the party’s elections, Nasheed said that if the party congress decides to change the composition of the National Council, it could affect the election process. However, he added:

“I believe the National Council election should ideally be held after the congress. But that does not mean it will be delayed beyond the date already scheduled for the election.”

Commenting on whether the MDP chairperson should contest the party’s presidential ticket, Nasheed said he does not believe it is appropriate for someone serving as chairperson to enter the presidential race.

“Whether the MDP chairperson is legally allowed to contest the presidential ticket or not is one matter. But I do not think it is the right thing for someone serving as chairperson to remain in that position while contesting a presidential election. In my view, that is not the proper course of action.” Says Nasheed

Nasheed also spoke about his relationship with the current MDP Chairperson, Fayyaz Ismail. He said their relationship remains very good and that they met yesterday after he returned to the Maldives from overseas. He emphasized that there are no issues or disagreements between the two of them.