Three candidates running for MDP Chairperson position

May 3, 2026, 2:21 PM
Nasheed, Ward, and Meekail

Nasheed, Ward, and Meekail

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced the official candidate order for the three contenders vying for the position of party Chairperson.

The party’s election committee has cleared former President Mohamed Nasheed, Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem, and Ibrahim Mohamed (Vaadu) from Laamu Fonadhoo as eligible candidates for the post.

The candidates have been assigned the following numbers:

  1. Mohamed Nasheed (Anni)
  2. Ibrahim Mohamed (Vaadu)
  3. Meekail Naseem

A committee has also been established to oversee and address any complaints regarding the election. This committee is composed of legal counsel Mohamed Nishan, former Minister Aishath Ali, and the party’s Kudahuvadhoo constituency president, Shathir Abdul Rahman.

The race is expected to be a close contest primarily between Nasheed and Meekail, both of whom are currently engaged in campaigns.

According to the MDP charter, the Chairperson is the highest-ranking official responsible for organizing and managing the party's internal affairs. The term of office for the position is five years.

The Chairperson’s responsibilities include representing the party in communications with the government and other political entities, organizing internal elections, presiding over the Party Congress, National Council, and National Executive Committee, and overseeing the party’s administrative functions.

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