Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Interim Chairman and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) has assured party members that he will act only within the party’s rules and regulations, and not under the influence of any individual.  
Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, who had served as MDP Chairman since May 2022, resigned on November 23, citing internal unrest and the need to give party leaders space to manage affairs. Following his resignation, and after several attempts to elect an interim chair, the National Assembly convened again on Monday evening to elect an interim chairman.  
Concluding the session, Ghafoor pledged independence in his leadership:  
“I am not going to do something for a certain person, I am not going to follow the influence of a certain person. I give that assurance to all of you,” he said.  
Many members of the Assembly congratulated Ghafoor on his appointment.  
MDP members at the National Assembly meeting held on December 8, 2025 raise their hands up in voting. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
The party’s leadership transition comes as the MDP faces renewed factional divisions ahead of the upcoming local council elections. The National Assembly had earlier decided to postpone electing a permanent chairperson until after the council polls, opting instead to appoint an interim leader to guide the party through the campaign period.  
Former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail speaks at the National Assembly meeting held on December 8, 2025 to elect an interim chair after his own resignation, proposing to postpone electing a permanent chairperson until after the council polls. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
Factional disputes have long shaped the party’s trajectory. Before the 2023 presidential election, tensions between then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former President Mohamed Nasheed led to Nasheed forming a new party and leaving the MDP. Many believe this division contributed to the party’s defeat in the election.  
Nasheed rejoined the MDP in June 2025, two years after his departure, and is once again contesting in the party’s upcoming council elections.  
Fayyaz, in his resignation letter, acknowledged that internal differences had created significant unrest among members. He said he stepped down to allow space for criticism of party leaders and admitted that the party had faced difficulties in its work after he announced his intention to contest the presidential primary.