Meekail pledges inclusive future for all MDP members

Meekail Ahmed Naseem has stated that all members of the Maldivian Democratic Party will have a place within the party regardless of which candidate they support in the upcoming chairperson election.

Meekail is contesting against former President Mohamed Nasheed in the election scheduled for next month.

The contest has intensified divisions within the party, which remains split between factions aligned with Nasheed and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

In a video message shared during campaign visits to various islands, Meekail said the MDP under his leadership would provide opportunities for all members.

“Regardless of which side you support in this election, there will be a place for you in the future. I will guarantee that you have the space to seek a future within this party,” Meekail said.

He called on members seeking a more inclusive party structure to support his candidacy in the election.

Internal divisions within the MDP emerged during the administration of former President Solih and have continued in the years since.

The dispute led to the formation of The Democrats by members aligned with Nasheed after they left the MDP.

Nasheed also resigned from the MDP during that period and campaigned against the party in the 2023 presidential election.

Several members who left the party, including Nasheed, later rejoined the MDP. However, divisions between the two factions have continued ahead of the chairperson election.