Candidate in the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Chairperson election and Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has said the party's internal elections must not deteriorate relations between the members of its National Council.
Fayyaz's statement comes while differences in opinion caused friction among National Council members, and heated debates were exchanged between the members in their designated Whatsapp group. Personal attacks were also exchanged, and profanities were used in their messages.
While the messages were being exchanged, Minister Fayyaz wrote a long message in the group and said he had hoped that the current party leadership would attempt to cool down the arguments taking place in the group. He expressed concern that no action was taken by the leadership. He requested the council members not to speak of personal matters unrelated to the campaign and asked them to refrain from using the group as a platform for personal attacks.
Minister Fayyaz said the National Council members had made their decision and that their conduct should not stoop so low as to argue in the Whatsapp group.
Fayyaz is contesting against MP Imthiyaz Fahmy in the Chairperson Election slated for May 14. Imthiyaz is backed by Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed, Nasheed's family, and loyal followers. Meanwhile, Fayyaz has the support of the majority of the party's National Council members and top government officials.
Economic Minister and MDP Chairperson election candidate, Fayyaz Ismail
