Nasheed says wants no member to quit MDP, aims for 100K members

Former President Mohamed Nasheed said on Wednesday that he does not want any member to leave the Maldivian Democratic Party, stating that his objective is to increase the party’s membership to more than 100,000.

Nasheed made the remarks during an Eid luncheon held at the party’s local hub in ADh. Maamigili as part of his campaign for the MDP chairperson election.

A video of his comments was later shared on social media.

“I do not wish to see even a single member leave the MDP,” Nasheed said. “My desire is for as many people as possible to join the party. My goal and hope are to maintain a membership of over one hundred thousand.”

Nasheed, who was the first chairperson of the MDP, rejoined the party last year after previously leaving during the 2023 presidential election period following disagreements with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

He also stated that he expects the party’s membership to increase during and after the chairperson election campaign.

“I would not want any member to abandon the MDP for any reason whatsoever,” he added.

Nasheed’s comments come amid discussions within the party following remarks he made in the MDP National Council WhatsApp group earlier this week.

In the message, Nasheed stated that he hoped those who lose the election would remain supportive of the party, although from a more distant position.

“The winners must be the ones at the forefront,” he wrote.

Nasheed is contesting the upcoming MDP chairperson election against Meekail Ahmed Naseem.