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People queue up to cast their votes in MDP presidential primary. Photo/Abdullah Iyaan

MDP members out to vote in 'presidential election'

"When we fight each other, it is our party that loses," said a woman who came to vote.

28 January 2023
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By Ahmed Naif

Ali Ibrahim (not his real name) from Addu Meedhoo went to Male Izzuddin School this Saturday morning to cast his vote in MDP’s presidential primary. However, the number of boxes kept for voting was less and it was not possible to start voting on time. It had been several hours since he hadn't left the place and was waiting in the queue. He persevered, to not go home without voting. The voting began two hours later than the scheduled time, but he left the venue after casting his vote.

"We have been voting in all the presidential primaries since the party was formed. I'm doing this, coming here, with a sense of responsibility," he said, smiling as he cast his vote.

It's a big day for the party's 57,000-odd members. This is the opportunity for the general members of the party to have political power every five years and take decisions. This morning, the members came and sat down to fulfil the responsibility at the voting booths.

"I am not too active in politics. But since I have been in the party for 18 years, it is important for me to vote in these elections. I see it as an opportunity to decide what's right," says a young man who came out to cast his vote.

People came to Male to cast their votes on Saturday after taking leave from work as ballot boxes were not placed in the resorts for the primary. According to a person who came to Male to cast his vote from a resort, he came to cast his vote because this is linked to MDP’s victory or failure in the upcoming presidential elections. That's why he didn't want to miss this opportunity.

"In this election, our decision is on the party's future. As a member, it is my responsibility to speak on this decision," said the man, who joined the party 10 years ago.

Friendly scenes and heated exchanges

In the party's 20-year-long history, this is the party's most competitive presidential primary. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his party president and former ally Mohamed Nasheed are contesting against each other in this race.

Even within that spirit, there were friendly scenes between the factions. Environment Minister Aiminath Shauna, who had previously supported Nasheed, but is now with Solih, met hardcore Nasheed supporter Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb, at their poll booth in Addu. Both of them exchanged pleasantries and embraced, even sitting down for a few minutes to talk.

There are so many such scenes. Nasheed's supporters and President Solih's supporters are rivals, but one group talks to each other and greets them. However, in some islands, voting issues have heated up and there have been spats. There have been instances where people are addressed in abusive language and voters are hindred from casting their votes, even to the extent of tearing up ballot papers.

However, the general members of the party want the elections to be completed peacefully and the results clear. They wanted other parties to see that they had a model presidential primary. It is their wish that the Saturday’s voting goes on peacefully.

"I know there is a lot of competition. That arguments will happen, too. But I just want the elections to be held in a very peaceful manner and to end beautifully. That's the best thing for the party as well. When we fight each other, it is our party that loses," said a woman who came to vote.

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