Former Dhidhdhoo MP Abdulla Waheed has withdrawn his name from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) interim chair election, accusing party president Abdulla Shahid, former president and party advisor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and the Parliamentary Group (PG) of breaking their assurances of support.

Waheed outlined his decision in a letter sent to Shahid. He wrote that he agreed to contest only after a PG member told him the group believed he was the strongest choice for the post. He said he then consulted Shahid and Solih. According to the letter, both encouraged him to run, pledged support, and said the party needed someone like him in the interim chair position.

Waheed said the events of 27 November contradicted those assurances. During Friday night’s National Assembly meeting, the vote to elect an interim chairperson delivered enough support to confirm him in the post. Only the faction aligned with former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail voted for him. Waheed wrote that those who had urged him to stand and promised support did not honour their word, creating an environment where continuing would be difficult.

He named Shahid, Solih, and the PG in the letter. He asked them not to repeat such behaviour and called on them to work on unifying the party.

Waheed thanked the members who voted for him and said he would continue to work with the party leadership.

A detailed report sent to Shahid by vice-chairperson Ibrahim Waheed explains how the vote unfolded. Ninety-seven members attended the session. One left before voting, leaving 95 eligible voters. The count was taken by a show of hands. Conflicting tallies from administrative staff led to a recount. The final numbers showed 49 supported Waheed, though one later withdrew their vote. With 95 eligible voters, 48 meets the threshold for approval. Forty-seven did not vote for him.

Tension rose during the count. Members linked to Solih, Shahid, and the PG began walking out while the counting was ongoing. The meeting collapsed before the result was officially announced.

Party insiders say the result surprised Solih, Shahid, and several MPs who opposed the Fayyaz bloc. They had expected that group to hold around 15 to 20 votes. The tally showed wider influence inside the National Council and confirmed that three coordinated factions were not able to block Waheed’s approval.

Shahid has not commented on the vote or on the next steps for the party.