A detailed Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) report shows that former Dhidhdhoo MP Abdulla Waheed secured the interim chairperson position with the minimum number of required votes. The tally confirms that the group aligned with former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail outperformed three rival factions linked to former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, party president Abdulla Shahid, and the Parliamentary Group.

Vice-chairperson Ibrahim Waheed sent the report to Shahid after Friday night’s National Assembly meeting collapsed. Order broke down during the vote count, and members from the opposing factions began walking out.

According to the report, 97 members attended the session. One member left before the vote, and Waheed chaired the meeting. This left 95 eligible voters. The vote was taken by a show of hands. Administrative staff produced conflicting numbers during the initial count, but a recount confirmed the final tally.

Forty-nine members supported Abdulla Waheed, though one later withdrew their vote. With 95 eligible voters, 48 meets the minimum threshold for approval. Forty-seven members did not vote for him.

Party insiders say the outcome surprised Solih, Shahid, and several MPs who opposed Fayyaz. They had expected the Fayyaz-aligned group to hold about 15 to 20 votes. The tally indicates a wider influence inside the National Assembly, with the three coordinated factions failing to block the result.

The report also details how the nominations progressed. Three names were proposed: former speaker Mohamed Aslam, former MP Abdulla Waheed, and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa. Waheed, who chaired the session, removed Aslam’s name after the party’s legal director advised that the interim chair must be selected from the National Council.

Tensions rose once counting began. Members aligned with Solih, Shahid, and the Parliamentary Group walked out, contributing to the collapse of the meeting before the result was formally declared.

The vote took place about a week after Fayyaz Ismail resigned as MDP chair. He said his plan to seek the 2028 presidential nomination had created internal pressure and affected the party’s work. He urged senior figures to focus on stability and said he would continue to take part in National Council activities.

Shahid has not stated his position on the tally or outlined the next steps for the party.