MTD holds its first congress, elects interim council

New political party, Maldives Third-Way Democrats (MTD) held its first congress last Monday night.

MTD, founded by Ismail Asif, President of Maldivian National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MNCCI), received permission to hold its first congress on December 19.

During MTD’s first congress at Dharubaaruge last Monday night, members elected the party’s interim council members.

The 11 interim council members include founder Ismail Asif, Velidhoo MP Abdulla Yameen, and Mariyam Nashwa – spouse of former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor.

INTERIM COUNCIL OF MTD:

1. Ismail Asif
2. Abdulla Yameen
3. Mariyam Nashwa
4. Aminath Wijna Mohamed
5. Saaif Ahmed
6. Mohamed Reehan
7. Abdul Rasheed Nafiz
8. Mariyam Siyana
9. Nimthaz Hilmy
10. Hoodh Abdul Haseeb
11. Aanisa Hassan

The congress also passed the party’s logo and flag.

Political Parties Act requires new political parties to hold a congress with minimum 300 members during which it passes its bylaws and elects interim leaders, before they can be registered as a political party with the Elections Commission.

Monday’s congress saw over 500 members, majority of them youths.

Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed made an appearance as a special guest during the congress. And praised former VP Adeeb – who was the first to join MTD.