The poll to elect a vice president for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is expected to go down the wire as two very influential candidates from the main ruling party are contesting the election.
While Minister at the President's Office Mohamed Shifaz has submitted his application to contest in the election, Parliamentarian Mohamed Aslam has also submitted his application to the party.
Shifaz has said he aims to sustain peace and unity in the party after his re-election as the vice president. Former parliamentarian, Shifaz, further said his role as the vice president of the party was very largely served on the streets due to the various protests during the previous administration. He expects to strengthen the party should he be re-elected to serve the next five-year term.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Aslam, a reticent veteran in the parliament, is expected to give a strong fight as he remains a key person since the inception of MDP. Aslam has served various top positions of party in addition to his roles as a parliamentary group member. He served the party in the secretariat before becoming the director of elections. He has expressed belief he will come out with a victory.
While there are two candidates contesting for the post of vice president, the only candidate contesting for the position of the president of the party is Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. The former Maldivian president has completed his five-year term leading the party successfully to the presidency of the country, while also attaining a super-majority for the party in the parliament.
Nasheed is considered as the most influential politician in the country and has spearheaded MDP in its elevation to the current position as the largest party in Maldives. A large majority of the party has expressed their support for Nasheed once he declared interest to contest for another term.
While the contest has become more competitive, senior members of MDP believe the two candidates running for the vice presidency are strong and mature political leaders who are qualified to lead the party.
The internal election of MDP is slated to be held on November 22.