Voting begins in MDP chairperson election
The contest has largely centred on Nasheed and Meekail, both of whom conducted nationwide campaigns ahead of the vote.
Voting has commenced in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) election to choose the party's next chairperson.
Polling opened at 2:30 pm on Friday and will continue until 8:30 pm.
Three candidates are contesting the election. They are former President Mohamed Nasheed, Ibrahim Mohamed (Wade) and Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem.
The contest has largely centred on Nasheed and Meekail, both of whom conducted nationwide campaigns ahead of the vote.
Nasheed campaigned under the slogan "Bodu Badhalu" (The Big Change), focusing on policy proposals and the changes he said an MDP administration should pursue in the future.
Meekail's campaign, held under the slogan "Ithubaaru" (Trust), focused on rebuilding public confidence in the party and preparing the MDP for the 2028 presidential election.
The election takes place against the backdrop of continuing competition between factions within the party.
Nasheed's campaign has been supported by members aligned with former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.
Meekail's campaign has drawn support from members aligned with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and current MDP President Abdulla Shahid.
Shahid has stated that, in his capacity as party president, he is not endorsing any candidate in the election.
The outcome of the vote is expected to shape the party's leadership structure and political direction in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential election.
