MDP expects around 1,000 in attendance at upcoming congress

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) says it expects around 1,000 members in attendance at its upcoming congress.

The MDP’s three-day congress is set to kick off at the Male’ City Council Hall on October 1.

At a press briefing on Tuesday morning, the party’s deputy chairperson Ibrahim Waheed said that the congress is receiving huge support, with over 980 members already registered to attend the event.

Online registration remains open until Friday, with the issuance of congress kits set to be conducted from Tuesday-Wednesday at the MDP’s main center in Male’.

“Online registration for the congress is open from September 20-25. Furthermore, kits for members attending the congress will be issued MDP’s main center from September 29-30. Over 980 members have registered so far,” said Waheed.

MDP’s deputy chairperson Mohamed Shifaz added that over 500 members had registered on day one itself. He said that total registrations currently stand at 986, but that the figure was expected to increase in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Waheed reiterated MDP’s allegation that the government was deliberately obstructing the party’s congress by refusing to provide a proper venue for the event.

He said that the MDP refuses to back down, and will be holding its congress by setting up tents at the Male’ City Hall compound.

Waheed accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of failing to honor his promise to provide equal opportunities for all political parties, despite his ascertain.

The MDP’s upcoming congress comes at a time of intense rivalry within the party over its ticket for the 2028 presidential elections.

Those who have expressed interest in entering the presidential race includes former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, former Vice President Faisal Naseem, former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, and South Hulhumale’ MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed.

Meanwhile, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)’s own congress wrapped up last weekend, with President Muizzu given the party’s ticket for his 2028 re-election campaign.