The Maldivian Democratic Party’s upcoming chairperson election is shaping into a high-stakes contest between former President Mohamed Nasheed and South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, with the vote scheduled for June 12, 2026.
The election comes after former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail resigned from the post, leaving the party to choose a new figure to lead its internal structure ahead of the next presidential cycle. MDP opened applications in April, and the party’s membership has since grown sharply, with 4,868 new members signing up before the eligibility deadline, bringing total membership to 50,594, according to MDP figures reported by local media.
Although three candidates were initially cleared, the contest is now widely seen as a direct battle between Nasheed and Meekail. Nasheed is campaigning on a broader “Bodu Badhalu” reform platform, while Meekail’s campaign is built around the theme of “Ithubaaru,” or trust.
Meekail has gained a major institutional advantage after the MDP Parliamentary Group announced its endorsement for him. He has also argued that the party should not be led by someone aligned with a particular presidential candidate, warning that factional leadership could deepen internal division.
Nasheed, however, remains one of the most influential figures in MDP history. As a former president and co-founder of the party, his campaign is likely to attract members who believe the party needs a major political reset before the next national election.
The race has also been marked by tension over the election timeline, with court and internal party challenges raising questions about whether the June 12 schedule should proceed as planned. Meekail has criticized attempts to take internal election disputes to court, saying party matters should be settled through voting.
At this stage, Meekail appears to have momentum from the parliamentary group and current party machinery, while Nasheed carries strong name recognition, historical loyalty, and a reform message that could appeal to grassroots members dissatisfied with MDP’s recent direction.
The key question now is whether MDP members will choose continuity and internal stability through Meekail, or a larger political reset through Nasheed.
Who do you think is more likely to win the MDP chairperson election on June 12 — Mohamed Nasheed or Meekail Ahmed Naseem?
