MDP not work of one person, says Meekail

Meekail Ahmed Naseem said on Sunday that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was established through the sacrifices of many individuals and not through the efforts of a single person.

Meekail made the remarks during a press conference held by his campaign team amid the ongoing contest for the vacant MDP chairperson position.

The race for the post has largely centred on Meekail and former President Mohamed Nasheed, with the party currently divided between rival factions.

Nasheed has recently highlighted his role in the establishment of political parties in the Maldives and referred to his sacrifices for the party and the country as reasons he should hold the chairperson position.

Responding to those remarks, Meekail said the establishment of the multi-party system in the Maldives was the result of collective efforts.

“I do not accept that only one person sacrificed to establish this party. The multi-party system in the Maldives was achieved through the collective sacrifices of many,” Meekail said.

He added that the ability to contest elections and participate in political activity today was built on the efforts of multiple individuals.

Meekail referred to party co-founder Mohamed Latheef, also known as Gogo Latheef, and the family of Evan Naseem, who died in custody in 2003.

According to Meekail, describing the MDP as the work of one person diminishes the contributions and sacrifices made by others involved in the party’s formation.

“In a party where so many have sacrificed, I believe it is a great injustice and an insult to them when it is characterized as the work of a single individual,” he said.

Meekail also criticised Nasheed’s focus on future presidential arrangements and discussions on government leadership ahead of the 2028 election.

He said the current chairperson election should focus on rebuilding the party after the 2023 presidential election defeat rather than discussing future presidential roles.

Meekail further accused Nasheed’s faction of leaving the MDP during the 2023 election period to form another political party and alleged that the move indirectly benefited President Mohamed Muizzu.

He also stated that the party requires a chairperson trusted by members and argued that many members no longer place their confidence in Nasheed.

The MDP was formed in exile in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in November 2003 during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, when political parties were not permitted in the Maldives.

Following political reform efforts, the MDP was officially registered on 23 June 2005 as the country’s first political party.

Nasheed later won the 2008 presidential election and served as president until his resignation on 7 February 2012, which he continues to describe as a coup d’état.