Fayyaz’s side wins to delay election of MDP Chairperson

Main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) National Council has passed to postpone the election of the party’s Chairperson.

Initially, it was decided that the election of MDP’s new Chairperson will take place on April 16. However, as the election coincides with the month of Ramadan, it was Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail who is contesting for the Chairperson post, that had proposed to postpone the election.

Fayyaz had requested to hold the election after Ramadan, stressing that elections should be held in a manner it accommodates the chance for members of the party to vote.

Fayyaz’s proposal to postpone the election was strongly opposed by his opponent for Chairperson post, North Maafannu MP Imthiyaz Fahumy (Inthi).

Speaking at the National Council meeting held tonight to make a decision regarding postponing the election, Inthi had said not to make excuses to postpone the election.

“I have no intention of postponing this election. Members supporting me, have no intention of postponing this election. Calling to hold the election on the date and time set currently, without any further excuses,” he had said.

Members supporting Inthi had also spoken out against postponing the election at the meeting.

Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, South Galolhu MP Eva Abdulla stated that postponing the election was disgraceful act. She added the efforts to postpone the election is due to fact that there is assurance the election will not be won.

Meanwhile, Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim had alleged that efforts to postpone the election was due to direct influence from the government.

In the voting taken regarding the matter, 100 out of the 115 National Council members present at the meeting had voted in favor of postponing the election.

The National Council meeting held regarding postponing the election saw heated debates between the two candidates contesting for Chairperson post, as well as other members.