Ibra resigns from MDP once again

Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), citing that the country’s status has worsened to an extent never seen before while also accusing the government of influencing the judiciary, has resigned from main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Ibra, in his resignation letter to MDP’s chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, who is also his brother, accused the MDP administration of making Civil Court a section of the Attorney General’s Office (AG Office) and alleged High Court was being run by The President’s Office’s legal department

He also accused cabinet ministers of withholding the independence and rights of citizens on various occasions by abusing the law, stressing such actions are defended by the Attorney General.

“State attorneys are carrying out acts which constitute to infringing the rights of the citizens and harassing them through the judicial system. Attorneys that represent the party’s government,” he said.

Ibra said all cornerstones which MDP was formed upon in 2001, have now been let go of. He added that the senior leaders of the party at present, are individuals who worked against its formation back then, and those who destroyed the party’s party centre.

He further stated MDP presently was represented in the parliament by people, who were former Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP).

Ibra also said the words of individuals who spearheaded the formation of MDP held no value within the party anymore, emphasizing their insights have not been sought while formulating the presidential manifesto of the party.

“Debt has accumulated in the course of the party’s administration to an extent it cannot be settled even by the time of great-grandkids’ time. Lagoons and reefs are falling into the hands of foreign governments and companies on long-term deals at a speedy rate,” he said.

Ibra is among the individuals who spearheaded the formation of MDP and also served as the first leader of the party. 

However, he left the party after disagreements with Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, who held wide support within the party back then.

Ibra then formed a separate political party, Social Liberal party (SLP), and contested the presidential elections on the party’s ticket in 2008. He secured little vote, and subsequently was eliminated in the first round.

During the second round, he endorsed Nasheed, MDP’s candidate – joining a coalition that went on to win that year’s election. Ibra left his own party later, a rejoined MDP.

His resignation this time around, therefore will mark the second time he has resigned from MDP.