The National Council of the main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has voted to hold its party congress on September 19. The decision was passed by a majority vote during a National Council meeting tonight.
The proposal to set the congress for September 19 was introduced by former President Mohamed Nasheed, who chaired the meeting in his capacity as party chairperson. During the discussion, some members advocated for holding the congress after internal party elections, pointing out that the current National Council’s term is set to expire on September 25.
However, Nasheed emphasized that convening the congress prior to internal elections is essential, as proposed amendments to the party’s constitution and administrative rules include restructuring the composition of the National Council. Following roughly 20 minutes of debate, the motion passed with 52 votes in favor out of the 63 members present.
Speaking after the vote, Nasheed assured members that internal elections could still be conducted before the current council’s term expires, stressing that there is no intention to extend the tenure of the existing National Council.
Among the significant constitutional amendments set to be considered at the upcoming congress is a rule prohibiting a chairperson who resigns during their term from running in the party’s presidential primary. Additionally, amendments are expected to be introduced to bring the presidential primary forward to next year.
