MDP elects Elections Committee for primary, Nasheed’s faction forgoes voting over disagreements

Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) National Council has elected the five-member Elections Committee for its upcoming presidential primary.

Nomination of members was opened during a meeting of the National Council held on Monday night. South Henvieru MP Hussain Shaheem nominates five names during the opportunity which was seconded by Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa.

Heated exchanges took place between the two factions presently formed within the main-ruling party during discussions before vote was asked on the five names.

In this regard, members of MDP’s leader, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed’s faction had proposed to submit two nominations by each faction, and nominate an individual approved by the two factions as the fifth member.

“We asked to form a committee which comprised of two nominations from our side (Nasheed’s faction), and from President (Ibrahim Mohamed) Solih’s side along with a nomination both sides agree on,” West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef.

However, members of President Solih’s faction had disagreed with the proposal citing it would violate MDP’s constitution. On this note, South Thinadhoo MP Abdulla Saneef said that nominations of names by two factions was contradictory to democratic practices.

“Giving the discretion for the two persons select members equally violates the party’ constitution. The constitution reads that the five-member committee needs to be elected. I believe if I wanted to, I should also be able to nominate the name of a person,” Saneef had said.

Matters asked for vote by MDP’s Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail following the discussions included the proposal by Nasheed’s faction. The proposal did not receive much support, as a result, was dismissed.

Before vote was asked for nominations put forth by Shaheem – members of Nasheed’s faction left the meeting.

The names were approved by the unanimous votes of all members that still remained.

Members elected for Elections Committee:

• Ibrahim Waheed (Deputy Chairperson – Administrative)
• Uz. Anas Abdul Sattar (Spokesperson)
• Akram Kamaluddin (President of Upper North Province)
• Mohamed Eman (President of Kendhikulhudhoo Constituency)
• Ahmed Abdulla Afeef (Former Chairperson of Legal Committee)

MDP’s primary is scheduled for January 28^th.