MDP parliamentarians back Meekail in chairman vote bid

The Parliamentary Group of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday announced support for Meekail Ahmed Naseem as chairman, as internal party elections approach.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the MDP headquarters, where Parliamentary Group Leader and Hithadhoo South constituency member Ibrahim Naazil, along with other MDP members of parliament, expressed their backing.

Naazil said Meekail’s election to a second term in the 20th Parliament, following his term in the 19th Parliament, reflected public confidence.

“It was the result of his work for the party and the people in the 19th Parliament and before. We secured the constituency without being in government because voters had that confidence in Meekail,” Naazil said.

Addressing the meeting, Meekail spoke about his engagement with party members. He said the Parliamentary Group had travelled to more than 100 islands during the last local council elections. He added that he met members and discussed their concerns.

Meekail also proposed that former presidents be given a permanent seat in the MDP National Assembly.

He said that, if elected chairman, he would work to include all members and strengthen unity within the party.

“If I win the chairmanship, on the first day I will propose to the MDP National Assembly and the upcoming Congress that former presidents be allocated a permanent seat in the MDP National Assembly,” he said.

The announcement of support for Meekail comes as internal election activity within the MDP increases. He is expected to contest against former President Mohamed Nasheed.