Meekail criticises court challenge to MDP election timeline

Meekail Ahmed Naseem has criticised a move by supporters of former President Mohamed Nasheed to challenge the Maldivian Democratic Party chairperson election timeline in court.

Speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters on Monday, Meekail said seeking an injunction from the Civil Court of Maldives was not consistent with the party’s principles.

He said internal matters should be resolved through voting.

“I call upon the rival team to decide this matter through the ballot, rather than taking it to court,” Meekail said.

He expressed concern that the legal challenge was made after the election had been announced and the voter list published.

Meekail said the election should proceed on 12 June in line with the announced schedule and opposed any delay.

“I do not support changing the process after it has begun,” he said, referring to past protests by party members against changes to electoral procedures.

He also alleged that attempts to delay the election were intended to create space for certain individuals.

Meekail further claimed that the opposing group was working with the ruling People's National Congress to influence the party’s membership registry.

He said he would not support any changes to the timeline for such purposes.

The MP added that leadership positions should be filled through elections and not through interim arrangements.

He said financial constraints faced by the party should not be used as a reason to postpone internal polls.

Meekail also referred to meetings held during his “Ithubaaru” campaign, stating that members had raised concerns about the party’s loss of government in 2023.

He said members also highlighted the need for unity ahead of the 2028 presidential election and called for a chairperson who would oversee a fair process.

According to Meekail, the campaign is scheduled to visit Raa Atoll and Lhaviyani Atoll next week, where the campaign manifesto will be presented.