Motion filed to remove MDP interim chair with 55 signatures

A motion has been submitted to remove Abdul Ghafoor Moosa from his position as Interim Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), with the backing of 55 members of the party’s National Council.

Wednesday's motion calls for an emergency meeting of the National Council to vote on the matter.

The move follows internal concerns within the party, including decisions related to the exclusion of former President Mohamed Nasheed from the speakers’ list at a recent rally held after the local council elections. It also follows the removal of Ahmed Maaroof and Ibrahim Waheed from their positions.

The effort to remove Ghafoor is being supported by a group within the party that includes individuals aligned with Nasheed and former party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.

Signatories to the motion include Fayyaz Ismail, former Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, Rozaina Adam, and Mohamed Nashiz.

The MDP National Council has 123 members. A quorum of 31 members is required to convene a meeting, while 61 votes are needed to pass the motion if all members are present.

The document submitted states that party activities should be conducted in a manner that includes all members and avoids exclusion. It also states that recent decisions have led to concern within the party.

According to the petition, the removal of Maaroof occurred while the party was engaged in cases related to alleged corruption linked to the council elections.

The motion states that these developments have led to dissatisfaction among members and may affect public confidence in the party.