Minister Shiyam attends MDP Congress opening on behalf of PNC

The PNC returned the gesture of political goodwill on Thursday evening by sending Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam to attend the opening ceremony of the MDP Congress. 

Former President and MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed had attended the PNC Congress inauguration earlier this week.

Upon the arrival of the two MDP leaders at the venue, former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih walked ahead and greeted Shiyam with a handshake. Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed, followed behind, but passed Shiyam without acknowledging him. Shiyam maintained a cordial smile throughout the exchange.

Thursday evening marked the inaugural session of the MDP Congress. Party chairperson and former president Mohamed Nasheed, along with former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, are scheduled to address the opening rally.

އެމްޑީޕީގެ 5 ވަނަ ކޮންގުރެސް ހުޅުވުމުގެ ރަސްމިއްޔާތު https://t.co/Q5bdOp7ZeQ

— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) October 1, 2026

An investment forum will be held on Friday, while official congress proceedings will begin on Saturday. The sessions will include debate on the MDP Constitution Amendment, the Major Change Resolution, and the Decentralization Resolution.

MDP Deputy Chairman Ibrahim Waheed told reporters earlier that the congress has received an overwhelming response, with more than 980 delegates registered so far.

The MDP is currently the second‑largest political party in the Maldives, with 55,399 members, according to the Elections Commission.