The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has scheduled a national council meeting for April 12 to begin work on an extraordinary congress.

MDP Deputy Chairperson Ibrahim Waheed (Iburey) told Adhadhu that the national council meeting will be held at the MDP office on April 12 at 8:30 pm.

He said discussions will be held on the formation of a team to plan the congress and other related matters, such as deciding the venue.

"A date for the congress is expected to be decided at another meeting a few weeks later. This is in line with the party Chairperson's previous announcement to expedite the congress," Iburey said.

The MDP, the largest opposition party, last held its congress in August 2022. According to the party's constitution, the congress will be held every five years. But an extraordinary congress can be held any time.

This is the biggest political movement of the MDP. More than 1,100 people attended the last congress in 2022.

It was held during political tensions between former President Mohamed Nasheed and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Nasheed tried to propose to the congress to change the system of governance to a parliamentary system, but the congress ended after both leaders agreed to work together for the 2023 presidential election.

Nasheed contested the presidential ticket and left the MDP after losing to Solih. His departure from MDP to form the Democrats was the key reason why the MDP lost the 2023 presidential election.

After two years of working against Solih and the MDP, Nasheed said on April 5 that the best way for Maldives at the moment is for the MDP and Democrats to work together. This has caused speculations about Nasheed's possible return to the MDP.