Meekail says factional politics risks 2028 defeat

Meekail Ahmed Naseem has warned that electing a chairperson aligned with a specific presidential candidate could deepen divisions within the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

In an open letter addressed to party members, Meekail, who is contesting for the MDP chairpersonship, said the party must focus on rebuilding unity and restoring confidence among members following recent electoral defeats.

The MDP chairperson election is scheduled for 12 June. While three candidates are contesting, the campaign has largely centred on Meekail and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Nasheed is campaigning alongside former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, who resigned from the post to contest the party’s presidential primary. Nasheed has publicly endorsed Fayyaz.

The two are campaigning under the slogan “Bodu Badhalu” and have proposed constitutional reforms that would separate the roles of Head of State and Head of Government. Under the proposal, Fayyaz would seek the position of Head of Government while Nasheed would seek the role of Head of State.

In his letter, Meekail said his main objective in seeking the chairpersonship is to restore trust in the party and secure victory for the MDP in the 2028 presidential election.

He referred to dissatisfaction among party members following the MDP’s defeats in the 2023 presidential election and the 2024 parliamentary election.

According to Meekail, factional divisions within the party have created a perception that individual leaders prioritise personal interests over the interests of the party as a whole.

He said this situation has affected the party’s ability to make decisions and weakened the morale of members.

At the same time, Meekail stated that the party’s recent performance in local council elections and opinion polling showed the benefits of working collectively.

“I believe that if a candidate who supports a specific presidential contender is elected as Chairperson, the party faces a high risk of further fragmentation. This could lead to a loss in the 2028 Presidential Election and leave the party in a vulnerable position once again,” the letter stated.

Meekail pledged that, if elected, he would begin efforts to unite party members and prepare for the next presidential election.

While Nasheed and Fayyaz are now campaigning together, Meekail is supported by figures aligned with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and current MDP President Abdulla Shahid.

Shahid has stated that he will not formally endorse any candidate in his capacity as party president.