President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called for more involvement from the local councils in leading the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). He made the remarks while speaking on the proposed amendments to the party regulations at the 4th MDP Congress.
At the party congress session, President Solih said that MDP has yet to adequately involve local councils in leading the main ruling party and that the proposed amendments do not pave the way for such levels of involvement. The president highlighted that MDP takes a special priority in empowering administrative institutions under the Decentralisation Act and, therefore, should allow elected council members representing the party to participate in political activities conducted by the national council and the party congress. He said that the level of involvement can be extended to city councils if the party is unable to accommodate all local councils.
Furthermore, President Solih said the involvement of party branches should also be extended to the leadership level and suggested that the party regulations be amended in order to allow all the leaders of the branches to participate in the party congress instead of holding a vote to determine the number of participants. He added that MDP should prioritise developing and giving more leadership opportunities to its branches.
Previously, President Solih stated MDP has room for differences of opinion but that members should always work towards progress regardless of their differences in order to ensure a better future for the citizens.