Calls for new opposition leadership louden after chastening defeat

Following Maldives Democratic Party (MDP)’s landslide defeat in Sunday's parliamentary elections, calls for the resignation of the party leadership have begun. 

Provisional results show that the MDP won 13 out of 93 seats in the 20th Parliament.

Provisional results also show that the ruling PNC has secured a supermajority in parliament with 65 seats. The independent candidates who won the election were also pro-government, PNC candidates.

After Sunday's election, MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail posted on 'X' that he was deeply remorseful of the results. He said the MDP should increase its closeness with the people.

Some people who commented on Fayyaz's post said that Fayyaz should resign from the post of MDP Chairman, taking responsibility for his defeat in the presidential and parliamentary elections.

In addition, critics also said that the policies MDP used to endorse and sell to the people have changed and that there will be no progress if the policies accepted by the people are not adopted.

"Do you believe this is a fall for  MDP?", a person had commented on Fayyaz's post.

Someone else commented that the best step Fayyaz can take at the moment is to resign as MDP Chairman.

The MDP said in a statement that it will continue to uphold democratic values and hold the government accountable in Maldives.

Those who commented on MDP’s post on 'X' said they wanted a change.

One commented that the party leadership has distanced itself from the party's general members and implied that leaders of well-run political parties give the chance to new leaders when the party lags behind or fails.

Some have also called for the resignation of MDP President Abdullah Shahid.