Internal tensions have surfaced within the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) following the removal of former President Mohamed Nasheed from the speaking lineup at the party’s victory rally held tonight.
The event, organised to celebrate the party’s performance in the recent Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, was initially expected to feature remarks from several senior figures, including Nasheed, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and other party leaders.
However, party sources indicate that the programme was revised at short notice, with both Nasheed and Solih removed from the final list of speakers. The updated lineup instead included the five MDP mayors who retained their seats, interim chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, and party president Abdulla Shahid.
Supporters React
The last-minute change has triggered discontent among sections of the party, particularly among Nasheed’s supporters. Some took to social media to express frustration, with several stating they would boycott the rally in protest.
Adding to the tension, former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail revealed in a message shared within a party WhatsApp group that he had initially been scheduled to speak at the event and had prepared remarks, only to later learn that he too had been removed from the programme.
Nasheed Speaks Out
Nasheed himself publicly addressed the situation, describing the developments as disappointing. In a post shared on social media platform X, he said the occasion should have been one of celebration following the party’s electoral gains, but noted that he felt “heartbroken” by the turn of events.
The developments come at a time when the MDP is seeking to consolidate its position following the elections, but the incident has highlighted underlying divisions within the party’s leadership.
