Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has said he is running for the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Chairperson position as he hopes to reform and strengthen the party further.
Fayyaz officially announced his intention to run for the MDP Chairperson position on Sunday. The Economic Minister said he aimed to strengthen MDP and ensure the party stays in power.
'[I] request the support of [the party's] beloved members. There is no doubt that this election would further strengthen the party,' said Fayyaz.
Maafannu North MP IMthiyaz Fahmy and Managing Director of the State Trading Organization (STO) Hussain Amr have expressed interest in contesting for Chairpersonship. However, Amr announced that he would be dropping 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.
The MDP Chairperson position was filled by Henveiru West MP Hassan Latheef for the past five years. He took on the role on February 12, 2917. 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.
Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail
