The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) interim Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa has called on those who have expressed interest in contesting the upcoming presidential election to prioritise the party's interest.

He was elected with 65 votes out of 66 present at the party's National Council meeting on Monday night following the resignation of former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail in November.

"We are here to do this work for the party's future. Everyone in the party can express their opinion. We will sit down and talk. We will work to resolve issues," Ghafoor said at a press conference.

He said he would not act in a biased manner in discharging his responsibilities as Chairperson, adding that every MDP member should be given equal rights within the party.

"We will not have difficulty in doing that. The difficulty comes when one person thinks the other is a presidential candidate, or when there is a difference of opinion. The MDP is not a party that will be divided," he stated.

Ghafoor said the party will ensure that the results of the vote cast by the members in the internal primary will reach the members and that he was confident of reconciliation and unity.

"If anyone wants to work any other way, he will not want to be in the party. Clearly, we have no bias; we have no intention of contesting the presidential election. We have the MDP in front of us," Ghafoor said.

"Those with presidential ambition must follow that principle within the party," the four-time parliamentarian representing Hanimaadhoo constituency added.

There is also a lot of competition for the MDP ticket in the 2028 presidential election. Fayyaz is the only one who has publicly announced the candidacy, but former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and MDP President, former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid are also interested.

One of the main reasons why the MDP lost the 2023 presidential election was the division within the party due to disagreements between Solih and former President Mohamed Nasheed.