Ghafoor says MDP won't align behind any single leader

Newly appointed interim chairman of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, has said the party should not align itself behind any particular leader and that all internal matters will be handled fairly during his tenure.

Ghafoor, who is serving his fourth term in Parliament, was appointed interim chairman at the MDP National Assembly meeting held on Monday. He held a press conference the following day with members of the party leadership to outline his approach.

Speaking at the MDP office, Ghafoor said party members must be assured that decisions will be made in a fair manner. He said the party would move forward without favouring any individual.

Ghafoor acknowledged that the MDP currently holds differing views within its membership but said this does not amount to a division.

He said such differences have occurred in the past and that leaving the party, following individual leaders, or shifting to another political ideology was not a productive approach.

He stressed that political opportunities come through the party and its membership structure.

“Everyone should remain within that framework. If we do so, the party will remain strong, and members will stay together,” he said. “We are not behind any particular leader. We are in the MDP.”

Ghafoor said he intends to create more opportunities for youth participation through the party’s internal bodies and the National Assembly.

He also said the party would continue its role in holding the government accountable in the coming days.

Ghafoor criticised the government’s economic policies, claiming that citizens have faced declining incomes since the current administration took office.

He said global economic conditions are stable but argued that what he described as unwise policy decisions have led to hardship for the people of Maldives.

He said the MDP must work collectively to hold the government to account.