Meekail says party proposals should come from membership
Nasheed, along with former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz, outlined a plan that includes separating the roles of Head of State and Head of Government.
Member of Parliament for Galolhu South, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, has called for party-wide consultation on proposals put forward by former President Mohamed Nasheed on changes to the governance structure.
Meekail, who is contesting for the chairpersonship of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said such proposals should originate from the party’s membership.
Nasheed, along with former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, outlined a plan last Sunday that includes separating the roles of Head of State and Head of Government.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at M. Finifaruge, where he launched his campaign, Meekail said the party operates through its membership.
“Unlike other political parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party is a grassroots organisation that functions from the bottom up,” he said. “I believe that our decisions and proposals must stem from consultations with the most ordinary members of this party and emerge as a collective voice from them.”
He added that the current proposals appear to have been introduced without such consultation.
“In my view, major decisions like these should be discussed among the general members, the National Council, and all established organs of the party,” Meekail said.
When asked whether the MDP National Council would support the proposals, Meekail said his focus remains on the chairperson election and declined to comment on the outcome.
“I believe our focus during a chairperson election should be on how to fulfil the responsibilities of the chairperson and how the party will be managed,” he said.
He stated that the priority should be to maintain unity within the party and represent the interests of members.
Meekail also said the party provides space for differing views and that its governing bodies would have the opportunity to consider the proposals.
