MDP to appoint interim-chairperson till election of new chairperson

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to appoint an interim chairperson—designated by its National Council—until a formal election can be held to fill the vacant chairperson position.

In a statement on Monday night, MDP said its leadership convened to review organizational matters and address urgent issues arising from Fayyaz Ismail’s resignation as the party’s chairperson.

In this regard, the party said its Executive Committee reached two key decisions during a meeting held on Monday evening: to call for meeting of the party’s National Council to appoint an interim chairperson until a new one is elected, and to decide on a date for the chairperson election.

MDP said the party will proceed with these decisions after lengthy discussions in an open environment.

Fayyaz, then Economic Minister, was elected MDP Chairman on May 23, 2022, defeating then-party spokesperson and former North Maafannu MP Imthiyaz Fahmy.  He announced his resignation from the post during a National Council meeting held on Sunday night.

In a five-page resignation letter addressed to MDP National Assembly members, Fayyaz said he had assumed the role “with high hopes” and despite facing significant challenges in running the party, had undertaken significant efforts to resolve the rift among party leaders.  

He noted that carrying out party duties became increasingly difficult after he declared his intention to run in the party’s 2028 presidential primary, as several others with similar ambitions are already at the party’s forefront.

He emphasized that the internal unrest is now casting a shadow over the party’s work.

Fayyaz also conveyed an advice in his resignation letter, in light of the difficulties currently faced by the party. In this regard, he urged to amend the party’s constitution to cap leaders at one, citing that three swords cannot be stored in one case.

One of the main reasons Fayyaz for his resignation, which Fayyaz cited in his letter, was to end the perception that he was an obstacle to the party advisor and president in exercising full authority over party affairs.