The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to elect the party's new Chairperson after the local council election in April next year.

Hoarafushi constituency President Ahmed Saleem made the proposal during the party's National Council meeting on Monday night.

He suggested announcing a date seven days after the local council elections. The Elections Commission (EC) scheduled the polls for April 4.

His motion passed with 58 votes in favour.

Saleem and other members who spoke at the meeting said the vote to elect the new Chairperson needs to be held after the local council election in order to be united and focused on the national polls.

Meanwhile, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa was elected as the interim Chairperson of MDP.

"I sincerely thank all the members who trusted me and voted for me. At the same time, on behalf of all, I thank former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail for his service to the party," Ghafoor said after the vote.

Ghafoor is currently the most senior member in MDP's parliamentary group. The biggest challenge facing the interim Chairperson is to unify the party as the local council elections approach.

Currently, there are two factions within the main opposition party. One supports former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the other supports former President Mohamed Nasheed.

The two factions are expected to field candidates for the Chairperson post.

So far, only Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has officially announced his intention to contest the election.

“I would like to ask for the cooperation and support of MDP members in this important work to empower a new generation of party leaders,” Meekail said.

The post became vacant following Fayyaz Ismail's resignation. The former Economic Minister resigned in November.