Internal rifts surface in MDP as Solih supporters hold strategy meeting

Supporters of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih held a meeting aimed at revitalising the activities of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Saturday, amid growing concerns over the party’s current direction and pace.

National Assembly member Hussain Hassan shared a video of the meeting on social media, stating that the gathering was held “to take the party's activities to a higher level.”

Several members of the MDP National Assembly told Atoll Times that there are differing views between Party Chairman Fayyaz Ismail and Solih on how the party should be managed. One member said that Fayyaz has struggled to mobilise the party and that Solih’s increased involvement is an effort to re-energise its operations ahead of the 2026 local council elections.

“The President is now getting very involved in this and is trying to expand the party’s activities. We don’t want the party to be like this when the local council elections are coming up next year,” the member said.

Another member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the meeting was attended by those who believe Solih should lead the party again.

“We held a get-together with people who believe that President Solih should be the MDP presidential candidate [again],” the member said.

Participants discussed ways to expand the party’s activities during what they described as a period of low momentum.

Attendees included:

The MDP is already seeing early interest in its upcoming presidential primary. Chairman Fayyaz Ismail has expressed interest in contesting. Party President Abdulla Shahid is also actively campaigning for the nomination.

Meanwhile, supporters of Solih have launched efforts to encourage his return to active leadership, with speculation continuing that the former president may leave the party. Hulhumalé South MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed has also begun exploring his chances in the primary race.