MDP marks 20th anniversary with call to shift national direction
Fayyaz acknowledged the role of party members and supporters in these developments, including those who are no longer alive.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) marked its 20th anniversary on Thursdahy with a statement from its Chairman, Fayyaz Ismail, who said the party has begun efforts to redirect the country’s current trajectory.
In a video message released for the occasion, Fayyaz stated that there are significant differences between the Maldives today and 20 years ago, citing political, economic, and social shifts. He attributed these changes to the work carried out by the MDP since its formation.
According to Fayyaz, the Maldives has seen an expansion in public participation and democratic decision-making over the past two decades, a result of the MDP’s initiatives. He acknowledged the role of party members and supporters in these developments, including those who are no longer alive.
Fayyaz said that when the country experiences challenges, public attention often turns to the MDP, adding that many continue to view the party as capable of bringing national change.
“The MDP has changed in many ways over 20 years. It has faced internal challenges. Today, we are working together again to change the current direction of the Maldives,” Fayyaz said. He added that future efforts would aim to place the country on a new path, guided by the expectations of the people.
In a separate message, MDP President Abdulla Shahid stated that the party is marking its 20th year with unity. Shahid said the MDP has historically led efforts to implement political reform in the Maldives. However, he noted that progress often slows when the party leaves office.
“Each time the MDP steps down, reforms are reversed. The Maldives needs the MDP’s reform agenda. Other political parties also model their reform policies based on ours,” Shahid said.
The MDP, the largest opposition party in the Maldives, has launched year-long activities to commemorate the anniversary. Events began on Tuesday morning with a flag-raising ceremony at the party’s office in Malé, along with similar events across selected islands.
Before the flag-raising, a breakfast was held with party members. Senior members of the party attended the gathering.
