Maafannu North MP Imthiyaz Fahmy has joined the race for the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairpersonship.
Imthiyaz announced his decision to run for the post on Saturday night in a tweet published with a picture of the MDP flag attached. Before he announced his decision, some of his supporters had already started a social media campaign, calling him to join the race. Several people took to social media to express their support with his official announcement.
Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail and Managing Director of State Trading Organization (STO) Hussain Amr have expressed interest in contesting for Chairpersonship. However, Amr announced that he had dropped out of the race on Sunday morning. It is reported that he dropped out of the race at the request of former President and Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, likely the result of Imthiyaz joining the race.
Henveiru West MP Hassan Latheef filled the MDP Chairperson position for the past five years. He took on the position on February 12, 2017. This is the first time a Chairperson has remained in the position for the entirety of the term.
As per Party Charters, the Chairperson position has to be filled within 60 days from the date it becomes vacant. The party has scheduled to hold its Chairperson election on April 16. Interested individuals may apply for candidacy before February 19.
