Efforts underway to oust MDP interim Chairperson

Apr 8, 2026, 2:18 PM
MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa. -- Photo: Adhadhu

MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa. -- Photo: Adhadhu

Some members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have started collecting signatures for a no-confidence motion against its interim Chairperson, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa.  

The faction led by former President Mohamed Nasheed and former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail is trying to file the motion against Ghafoor to the party's National Council. 

Adhadhu understands that they have collected at least 51 signatures requesting a meeting of the National Council. The no-confidence motion against Ghafoor is also receiving support.  

MDP victory rally overshadowed by faction infighting

The Maldivian Democratic Party's victory rally was marred by internal conflict after former President Mohamed Nasheed was excluded from the speaking agenda, allegedly due to pressure from a rival faction. The snub led to social media quarrels, a boycott by Nasheed’s supporters, and physical scuffles during the event. Despite the party's significant electoral success, the incident highlighted deep divisions between factions led by Nasheed, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and other party leaders.

This comes after Nasheed was blocked from speaking at the party's victory rally held to celebrate the success in the recent local elections and referendum. 

The MDP won the mayoral seats of all five cities in the local council elections and achieved a remarkable success in the referendum with 68 percent votes. 

But party members from different factions began quarrelling on social media on Monday night after Nasheed was not allowed to speak at the rally. 

Nasheed's faction said he was told to prepare a speech before removing the item from the agenda. They alleged that Ghafoor changed the agenda due to pressure from former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. 

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