MDP sets party congress for September 19
Nasheed said he would work to ensure the congress is held on the approved date.
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The National Council of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to hold the party's congress on 19 September.
The decision was taken during the National Council meeting on Sunday night after Party Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed proposed the date.
During the meeting, some members argued that the congress should be held after the National Council elections, noting that the current council's term expires on 25 September.
Responding to the concerns, Nasheed said the congress should take place first because proposed amendments to the party's constitution include changes to the structure and composition of the National Council.
After about 20 minutes of discussion, the proposal was put to a vote.
The motion to hold the congress on 19 September was approved with 52 votes in favour. A total of 63 National Council members attended the meeting.
Nasheed said he would work to ensure the congress is held on the approved date. He also said the National Council elections could still be held before the current members' terms expire.
"Holding the congress on 19 September will not delay the National Council elections. I am not attempting to prolong the term of the National Council. Elections will take place as soon as the current term ends," Nasheed said.
According to reports, the constitutional amendments expected to be presented at the congress include a proposal preventing the party chairperson from contesting the party's presidential primary, even if they resign from the position during their term.
The party is also expected to consider a proposal to bring forward its presidential primary to next year.
