The two candidates competing to become the next chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have vowed to improve the party for the upcoming presidential election.
Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Parliamentarian Imthiyaz Fahmy are competing for the position of MDP chairperson. Both candidates have been visiting islands as part of their campaigns and making their pledges known to their supporters. Both candidates have also highlighted the importance of making changes to the ruling party ahead of the presidential election.
During a televised debate, the two candidates disclosed that their top priority is to prepare MDP for the presidential election in 2023. As such, Minister Fayyaz said that members need to stop the disagreements that have emerged within the party and regain trust and start working together for the presidential election. The candidates also criticised each other’s pledges and proposed policies during the debate.
The chairperson plays a vital decision-making role in MDP, as the individual elected to the position is in charge of the electoral and administrative work as well as the activities conducted to increase membership. The chairperson is also tasked with enforcing the party’s policies and various other important work within the party.
The MDP chairperson election has been scheduled for May 14, during which party members will elect a candidate for a five-year term.