Former Dhidhdhoo MP Abdulla Waheed who was appointed the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s interim chairperson, until a formal election can be held to fill the vacant chairperson position, has resigned from the post.
There was heated debate regarding the results of the vote held at Friday night’s MDP National Council meeting on Abdulla Waheed’s appointment as the party’s interim chairperson, ultimately leading to its disruptive end.
The dispute began after the party secretariat announced that Abdulla Waheed had received 47 votes in favor of his appointment—one short of the 48 required.
“Following an investigation, the party’s deputy chairperson, Ibrahim Waheed, submitted a report to MDP leader Abdulla Shahid stating that Abdulla Waheed had in fact received 48 votes, and therefore had been elected as the party’s interim chairperson. The report included how the vote was counted.
However, in a statement on Sunday, Abdulla Waheed announced his resignation, attributing the decision to actions by the party’s leader Abdulla Shahid and advisor, former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
In this regard, Abdulla Waheed said he decided to apply for the post at the request of a MDP parliamentary group member. He added that he consulted Shahid and Solih before making a decision, both whom encouraged him to pursue it.
However, he emphasized that the subsequent actions of both individuals—and other parliamentary group members—were inconsistent with their previous remarks.
“I know without doubt today that I would face major hurdles in fulfilling the role based on the actions of the party’s leader, advisor and parliamentary group members who supported me and encouraged me to contest for the post leading up to the vote and after it,” he said.
As such, he said he has decided against retaining the post, adding the decision was made with party’s unity in mind.
Abdulla Waheed also urged Shahid and Solih against such acts in the future and work towards the party’s unity.
MDP’s chairperson post became vacant following the resignation of Fayyaz Ismail, who last held the post, last Sunday. This has again escalated competition between Solih and former president Mohamed Nasheed.