Shahid: Now is the time to reorganize MDP’s ranks, begin efforts to defeat this administration

MDP’s leader Abdulla Shahid states the time has come to reorganize the party’s "Yellow Army" and work collectively toward defeating the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, with the objective of restoring an MDP government that reflects the aspirations of the public.

Shahid made the remarks via a post on Facebook following former President Mohamed Nasheed’s decisive victory in MDP’s chairperson election.

Congratulating Nasheed on his landslide win, Shahid described the election as the largest internal political activity ever conducted by a political party in the Maldives in recent history. He expressed appreciation to party members for upholding democratic values, thanked volunteers for ensuring a peaceful proceedings, and commended the candidates for demonstrating exemplary conduct throughout the election.

The chairpersonship race was contested by Nasheed and South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who was backed by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

It marked Nasheed’s first major internal election since rejoining the MDP after leaving to form 'The Democrats.'

The election was widely viewed as a contest between the MDP’s two principal internal factions.

The election was prompted by the resignation of former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, who also notably endorsed Nasheed in this contest. With Nasheed prevailing in the first major internal election since rejoining the MDP after leaving to form 'The Democrats,' the balance of power within the party has shifted once again. 

Nasheed’s campaign centered on remobilizing the "Yellow Army" and implementing significant internal reforms within the party. In contrast, Meekail’s campaign, under the slogan "Trust," emphasized reducing internal divisions and strengthening party unity.

MDP considers the election a pivotal step in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

According to Shahid, the immediate priority is for party members to unite, hold the current government accountable, and work toward regaining the presidency.

Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail also issued a statement welcoming Nasheed’s victory, noting that the results clearly reflect a strong desire among party members for ‘big change’.