MDP proposes primary elections

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has opted to hold primary elections open to all members during the party’s congress on 26 June, its anniversary.

During a meeting of the party’s national council held at Bandos Island Resort, the party decided to amend its structure towards a presidential rather than a parliamentary system of government.

The main change proposed will be the abolition of the post of party president and vice-president, to be replaced by two vice-chairpersons.

The decision contrasts that take by the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), which voted against holding primaries during its congress held last month. The proposal was made by the party’s vice president Umar Naseer, who left his role as president of the Islamic Democratic Party to pursue political ambitions.

However the party elected to retain its original charter, which states that the party’s leader will automatically be put forward as its presidential candidate.