MDP delays extraordinary congress to focus on 2026 council elections

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has postponed its planned extraordinary congress to a date after the local council elections scheduled for April 2025.

The decision was made during a sitting of the party’s National Assembly, which is one of its key decision-making bodies, on Wednesday. The Assembly passed a resolution stating that the party’s primary focus should be on securing victory in the upcoming council elections. The extraordinary congress, which was initially set for the 15th of this month, will now take place in the middle of next year.

The move comes amid increasing internal competition over the MDP’s presidential ticket. The contest is primarily between former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and current MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail. Supporters of Solih have recently held separate meetings to explore ways to strengthen party activities ahead of the election cycle.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who left the MDP following a disagreement with Solih before the last presidential election, has rejoined the party and is now working alongside Fayyaz. Nasheed has reportedly consulted several senior members regarding a possible presidential bid.

Other figures reportedly preparing for the presidential primary include MDP President Abdulla Shahid and Hulhumale South MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed.

The proposed extraordinary congress is also expected to consider structural changes to the party leadership. Among the proposals reportedly supported by Fayyaz is a motion to merge the roles of chairman and president into a single full-time leadership position.

Additional proposals include restrictions on the party chairman’s eligibility to contest in presidential primaries, hold cabinet portfolios, or occupy positions in state-owned companies and other government institutions during an MDP-led administration. The individual would also be prohibited from holding a seat in parliament.