The President and Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid and Fayyaz Ismail respectively, have congratulated former President Mohamed Nasheed’s decision to rejoin the party.
During the congress of The Democrats held on Wednesday, a motion was submitted calling for all of its members to rejoin MDP. The motion was approved by the party and the decision for its members to rejoin MDP was finalized.
MDP’s congress held an informal meeting on Wednesday evening following The Democrats’ decision, where the party had agreed to welcome Nasheed and the members of his party back to MDP.
Sun Online learned that the decision by The Democrats to rejoin MDP was not challenged by any member.
Following MDP’s congress meeting, both Shahid and Fayyaz have welcomed Nasheed back to their ranks in their individual posts on X. In his post on X, Shahid urged not to be ‘shackled to the past’ and continue working for the future. He emphasized the importance of working together.
“I call everyone who are restless in being a part of democratic reforms to join our ranks. MDP is the only party with a prospect in the country,” Shahid commented.
Fayyaz in his post highlighted MDP is the oldest political party in the country and noted the party’s role in advocating for reforms.
“At a time when we must increase vigilance towards the government’s actions, we are emboldened by the decision of President Nasheed and members of The Democrats to rejoin our ranks,” Fayyaz said in his post.
Besides being one of the founding members, Nasheed had served as MDP’s president for a lengthy duration as well.
The oldest political party split into two around the final days of MDP’s last government mostly owing to a row between Nasheed and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. After their very public falling out, Nasheed formally resigned from MDP on November 13, 2023.
Several loyal members of Nasheed in MDP had exited the party and founded The Democrats. Nasheed joined the new party’s leadership days later. Former key MDP leaders Hassan Latheef and Mohamed Shifaz served as the first President and Vice President of The Democrats respectively.
Nasheed, who had stepped away from politics and was residing abroad had returned to Male’ and met with MDP’s Chairperson on Monday after which it was announced that Nasheed would be rejoining the party.
Interestingly, Nasheed had also expressed his interest in running for presidency in the next election.