As the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) celebrates its 18th anniversary, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that the party will always be on a forward trajectory in terms of progress and achievements. However, his comments come amidst growing internal divisions within the party, exemplified by the recent resignation of former President and current Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed.
In a Twitter message released today, President Solih extended his congratulations to all MDP members while emphasising the party’s unwavering commitment to progress. “Happy 18th Anniversary to all the members of the MDP. With the blessings of God, this party and its members will always move forward,” President Solih’s tweet read.
The celebratory atmosphere surrounding the MDP’s anniversary has been overshadowed by the emergence of unprecedented differences of opinion within the party. Nasheed, a key figure in the MDP’s formation and its most influential leader until recently, resigned from the party last week, intensifying the divisions within its ranks.
The once-strong alliance between Nasheed and President Solih began to crumble after the latter assumed power in 2018, as disagreements on various issues strained their relationship and transformed them into political rivals.
A notable consequence of the internal discord is the recent defection of 12 parliament members loyal to Nasheed, who are now actively working towards the establishment of a new political party called ‘The Democrats.’
