Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail resigned on Sunday, saying the move was aimed at preserving party unity and addressing internal governance challenges, deepening uncertainty within the country’s main opposition party.

In a letter to the party’s national council members, Fayyaz said he had publicly declared his intention to contest the 2028 presidential election, creating tensions within the party. “While others may share this interest, I am the only one who has officially announced it. This has created significant challenges for the party in carrying out its work. People are questioning the party’s direction,” he wrote. “Over the past two years, the party has accomplished a great deal as an opposition force against President Muizzu’s dictatorial regime, but I can see considerable unrest among party members due to internal differences, which also overshadows the party’s work.”

He added that he was stepping down to allow other leaders space to shape party strategy. “Therefore, I intend to put an end to the perception that I am an obstacle to the party advisor and the party president, who are already responsible for managing the party’s affairs with full authority… Effective immediately, I resign as Chairman of the party to make space for this process,” Fayyaz said.

Fayyaz, a lawyer by profession, joined the MDP in 2011 and was elected to parliament in 2014. He served as Minister of Economic Development under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih from 2018 to 2023, during which he introduced the country’s first statutory minimum wage, regularised tens of thousands of undocumented foreign workers, and pushed through legislation on industrial relations and workplace safety.

He called on party members to prioritise national and party interests over personal ambitions. “Unfortunately, we are still witnessing the clash between personal interests and those of the country and the party. Political leaders must rise above such feelings and prioritise the rights of the people. To those who guide the general members: you are the leaders. There are also courageous ordinary members of this party working alongside you,” Fayyaz wrote.

He concluded by thanking party members and pledging continued support. “MDP members have transformed the political landscape of the country and brought about positive changes for both the nation and its people… I pray that Allah grants this party and this country brighter days ahead and protects the nation from the current dictatorial government. I assure you and the party’s general members that I will continue to work for the party’s progress as a member of the national council and as an ordinary member.”

The resignation comes as the MDP intensifies pressure on the government over economic and governance issues. The party is expected to announce interim leadership arrangements shortly, as senior members assess the implications of his departure.