Fazna on claims MDP is ‘dead’ without Nasheed: Nothing to celebrate

Former First Lady Fazna Ahmed, the spouse of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, responded today to remarks made by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s former vice president Mohamed Shifaz, stating that it should not be considered an achievement for an institution to be perceived as incapable of functioning without a particular leader.

Speaking on a program aired on ‘SSTV’ last Sunday night, Shifaz claimed that the MDP leadership had been “dead” two years into the current administration, adding the party can only regain momentum if leadership were handed over to former president Mohamed Nasheed.

In an indirect response to the remarks via a social media on Tuesday, Fazna stated that whether within a political party, educational institution, or family, the fundamental responsibility of a leader is to empower others rather than create dependency.

Accordingly, she expressed the view that the idea of an institution being unable to operate without a particular individual is not something that should be celebrated.

Providing an example, Fazna stated that if her own children believed they could not navigate life without her, she would consider it a failure on her part to have instilled confidence and leadership qualities in them.

She cited one of the most significant weaknesses commonly associated with charismatic leaders as organizations becoming too dependent on one person.

“Charisma may build momentum, but sustainability builds institutions,” she stressed.

Fazna’s remarks come amid intense divisions within MDP ahead of the party’s upcoming chairperson election. A closely contested rivalry has emerged between Nasheed and South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, both of whom are contesting for the position. While individuals aligned with Solih are widely perceived to be supporting Meekail’s campaign, Nasheed and his supporters has been actively campaigning for the role.

The MDP chairperson election is scheduled for next. Under the party’s constitution, the chairperson position is regarded as one of the most influential roles with the party.