Meekail calls for young generation to lead MDP
He said the party requires a chairman who will act in the interests of members rather than those of a single leader.
Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who is contesting for the chairmanship of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has called for a shift in party leadership to a younger generation instead of retaining the same leadership figures.
Naseem, who announced his candidacy for the vacant post of MDP Chairman ahead of the council elections, released his first campaign video on social media Wednesday.
In the video, Naseem states that the MDP must secure victory in the next presidential election. He said this could be achieved by regaining public confidence and strengthening the party’s ranks.
He said the party requires a chairman who will act in the interests of members rather than those of a single leader.
“That can only be done by having someone who will place the interests of ordinary party members ahead of individual leaders,” he said.
He added that the party should move away from operating with the same leadership and approach, and allow space for a younger generation to take responsibility.
Naseem, currently serving his second term in Parliament, said he is contesting for the post with 16 years of political experience.
His remarks come at a time when internal divisions within the MDP have resurfaced following the party’s recent council election victory.
The situation escalated after former President Mohamed Nasheed was invited to speak at a victory event.
Nasheed and supporters of Fayyaz Ismail, the last permanent chairman of the MDP, did not attend the event.
MDP Interim Chairman Abdul Gafoor Moosa later signed a letter removing Ahmed Mauroof from the post of Legal Director and Ibrahim Waheed from the post of Deputy Chairman.
Supporters of Nasheed and Fayyaz are now working to submit a motion to the National Assembly regarding Gafoor’s removal. Some members aligned with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih have expressed support for Gafoor on social media.
