President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has assured the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will maintain solidarity after the chairperson election. He made the remarks while speaking to the media as the leader of the ruling party after casting his vote in the election.
President Solih noted the MDP chairperson election is as contentious as any other election but that the party will continue to maintain solidarity. The president said that every internal election is important for MDP members and that he was pleased with how the chairperson election has proceeded.
Also speaking to the media, President of MDP and Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed said the party always prioritises holding peaceful elections in order to pave the way for a better future for the country.
Senior leaders of MDP have cast their votes in the MDP chairperson election, which has become the most contentious internal election of the party in the past 17 years. Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Parliamentarian Imthiyaz Fahmy are competing for the position of MDP chairperson. The chairperson plays a vital decision-making role in MDP, as the individual elected to the position is in charge of the electoral and administrative work as well as the activities conducted to increase membership. The chairperson is also tasked with enforcing the party’s policies and various other important work within the party. The chairperson is elected for a five-year term.