MDP to hold extraordinary congress before 15 August
The last extraordinary congress held outside of the regular schedule was convened in Ukulhas in 2018.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed a resolution to hold an extraordinary congress before 15 August.
The decision was approved at a meeting of the party’s National Assembly on Saturday night.
A total of 71 members voted in favour of the proposal, which was made during a session held at the party’s headquarters. With this decision, the party leadership is now expected to determine the exact date for the congress.
According to the party charter, a congress must be held every five years. However, an extraordinary congress may also be convened with the approval of the National Assembly.
The move comes amid reports that former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is seeking to propose amendments to the party’s constitution, possibly including changes to the party’s leadership structure. While no official announcements have been made, political observers have noted growing internal competition ahead of the next presidential primary.
Several figures within the MDP are reported to be positioning themselves for the party’s presidential ticket. These include current MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, who has declared interest in contesting the primary. MDP President Abdulla Shahid is also actively campaigning for the nomination.
Parliamentarian Ahmed Shamheed and former parliamentarian Ahmed Saleem, former Vice President Faisal Naseem, and Malé City Mayor Adam Azim are also being mentioned within party circles as potential contenders. Additionally, there have been efforts by some supporters of former President Solih to encourage him to step aside from the race.
The last extraordinary congress held outside of the regular schedule was convened in Ukulhas in 2018. That congress ratified the nomination of former President Mohamed Nasheed as the party’s presidential candidate, following his win in the party’s primary.
