Transparent dialogue can assure MDP-The Democrats union: Aslam

According to the former Minister of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam, the largest opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats could work together if there is open dialogue between the two.

Aslam was the Minister of Planning during the MDP-led former government.

The former minister’s comments have come hot in the heels of former President Mohamed Nasheed’s recent comments stating the best course of action for the Maldives was a union between MDP and The Democrats.

The sentiment has been supported by current MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail as well.

Speaking about a potential union between the two parties, Aslam said it was a conceivable idea if both parties were willing to engage in transparent dialogue and by setting a shared vision and objectives.

“There’s potential in MDP and Democrats working together – but only if clear, shared goals are set and openly communicated,” Aslam said in a post on X.

“Members of both parties and the public deserve transparency to build trust and ensure this effort leads to meaningful progress,” he added.

Both the parties were founded with former President Nasheed’s key involvement.

Nasheed, who had been a founding member, and the former leader of MDP, exited the party following a political row between him and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. More specifically, tensions intensified the two after Nasheed faced defeat during the party’s internal primary to field a presidential candidate.

Several of Nasheed’s supporters exited MDP citing political differences, and went on to form The Democrats. Shortly after, Nasheed, who was still in MDP exited the party on June 21, 2023 stating it was in his best interest and joined The Democrats.

The newer political party did not achieve any notable feats, and had managed just 7 percent of the presidential election votes after which it refused to endorse MDP during the run-off elections.

Not long after the 2023 presidential election, Nasheed announced he was stepping down from politics and had accepted the invitation to become the Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum.

However, in early 2025, Nasheed stated he had not fully stepped away from Maldivian political scene.