Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, who is contesting for the Chairperson of MDP, made the proposal to postpone the election that was decided to take place on 16th April.
He stated that as the election date coincides with the month of Ramadan, it should be held off on a later date. In this regard, members who support Fayyaz noted that the month of Ramadan will reduce the number of members of the maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voting.
The National Council of the main ruling party, MDP decided to pass the postponement of the party’s chairperson election. In addition to the results of the vote, the allegations of language attacks by both sides showed a difference of opinion within the party.
North Maafannu MP Imthiyaz Fahmy (Inthi) who is also contesting for the post, strongly opposed Fayyaz’s proposal.
“I have no intention of postponing this election. Members supporting me, have no intention of postponing this election. Calling to hold the election on the date and time set currently, without any further excuses,” he said.
Members who were in support of Inthi, also spoke against postponing the election at the meeting.
Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, South Galolhu MP Eva Abdulla said the elections were being postponed due to lack of assurance that Fayyaz would be elected and condemned it as a disgraceful act.
Ungoofaaru MP Mohamed Waheed added that MDP has conducted bigger political activities than an election during the month of Ramadan in the past. Questioning why is it an issue now and that they had bigger problems like election against PPM as opposition to worry about instead of having an internal conflict amongst themselves.
The meeting conducted regarding the postponing of the election saw heated debates between the two candidates as well as other members.
The election was postponed to May 14 with 100 Mps out of 115 National Council members voting in favour of postponing the election.
