MALÉ, MALDIVES – Former President Mohamed Nasheed and other members of the Democrats Party have today passed a resolution to reconnect with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Resolution Details

The resolution passed at today’s informal meeting of the Democrats’ National Assembly stated that the best approach to successfully contest next year’s local council elections, improve the country’s future, maintain an accountable government, and restore confidence in the multi-party competitive political system that has been deteriorating is through strong opposition action.

The resolution acknowledged that working together with many people is important, and therefore agreed to connect with MDP to achieve this objective.

Meeting Participation

46 people participated in today’s meeting, with only a few members opposing the connection with MDP.

While Nasheed and other Democrats members passed a resolution to rejoin MDP, party officials stated that the Democrats Party will continue to exist.

Background of Political Tensions

The Democrats Party was established on July 12, 2023, following political disputes that arose between then-President and MDP President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Nasheed during the recent presidential election period.

Following today’s resolution to close the Democrats Party, Nasheed met with MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.

Nasheed’s Political Stance

Nasheed, who has been openly expressing his lack of interest in running for future presidential elections, met with Fayyaz after the resolution. Following their meeting, Fayyaz stated that they had exchanged views on a very broad range of topics related to changes coming to the political landscape and future work.

“The nation can only be brought back to the right path when everyone working for reform works together,” Fayyaz said.

Reasons for 2023 Election Loss

According to MDP leadership and many members, the main reason for the party’s loss in the 2023 presidential election was the disputes between then-President Solih and Nasheed, which led to Nasheed forming the Democrats Party and competing in the election.

Nasheed’s Previous Threats Against MDP

When joining the Democrats Party on the night of July 13, 2023, Nasheed had issued warnings that he would “destroy” MDP. In a rally held that night, he warned that MDP had become rotten like a coconut and that he would destroy the party.

Nasheed said that the main objective of establishing MDP was to improve people’s conditions through sound principles and values. However, when MDP abandoned those principles, he was forced to leave the party and establish Democrats to uphold those values.

Direct Quote from Nasheed’s Warning

“We will destroy MDP. We will destroy it. This coconut has gone rotten. We will destroy this party. We will destroy it. We will destroy it. We will destroy it,” Nasheed had said in his warning speech directed at MDP.

Current Developments

The reconciliation represents a significant shift in Maldivian politics, potentially reuniting the country’s main opposition forces ahead of upcoming local council elections.