One of the most celebrated political leaders in the Maldives, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, known for his extensive association with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and significant political contributions, appears to be parting ways with MDP. While the once-strong bond between Nasheed and MDP has been deteriorating steadily over the months, the chapter is reaching a close, signaling far-reaching repercussions.
One of the founders of the MDP, Nasheed, has spent his entire political career with MDP, with the party loyally rallying behind him. However, today, the relationship between MDP and Nasheed has become strained to the point that Nasheed may soon leave the party, a significant and dramatic move that would symbolize the culmination of the ideological clash between Nasheed and the MDP.
Several years ago, the Maldives forged stronger ties with the international community and gained global recognition for its tourism, which resulted in the empowerment of the people and the development of the country. The people of the Maldives began advocating for a multi-party system and sought to bring an end to the long-running regime of then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom. In 2005, a determined group, including Nasheed, worked together to form the MDP, setting the tone for Maldivian politics for years to come. Therefore, the relationship between Nasheed and MDP can be described as a 'heart-to-heart' connection - an embodiment of shared ideals and aspirations.
After the formation of the MDP and until President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih contested the presidential election in 2018, President Nasheed remained the most vocal and influential political character in the MDP. Although Nasheed's political aspirations faltered following President Solih's success in the 2018 election, he has worked hard in recent years to regain his influence in the political landscape. His endeavor has resulted in the division of the once-strong MDP, with one group throwing its full support behind President Solih and the other remaining loyal and unwavering to Nasheed.
The conflict within the MDP is the result of disputes between the ring-wing conservatives with President Solih and the left-wing conservatives with President Nasheed. President Nasheed is very openly an extreme left-wing conservative. He has so far failed to revive the left-wing radical conservative ideology within the MDP, resulting in the growing influence of the right-wing conservatives within the MDP, effectively defeating Nasheed's leftist ideology. In the present day, this has led to Nasheed's hardcore supporters leaving the MDP and seeking the formation of a new political party to rekindle Nasheed's far-left conservatism.
Although Nasheed has often described MDP as a center-right party, this is likely because his staunch left-wing ideology could not be forced on the right-wing conservatives within the party. Despite Nasheed's determination to impose his ideologies on the MDP, the party's conservatives outweighed this ideology and prevailed within the party, compelling Nasheed's Fikuregge Dhirun faction to retreat from the party's forefront. This eventually led to a mass exodus of MDP MPs and members who align with President Nasheed's vision for broader individual freedom and embrace his ideological stance.
Today, Nasheed is once again spearheading a political movement, directing his supporters to form a new political party, The Democrats- likely a new tactic in play to breathe life back into his ideologies and revitalize it. However, the presence of many conservatives in the newly formed party poses a new challenge for Nasheed. While he aspires to popularize and maintain left-wing ideology while hiding behind right-wing conservatives, this is the true meaning behind a statement he often consistently emphasizes - "This ideology cannot be erased." He would always try, in one way or the other, to reawaken, regenerate and maintain his doctrine.
His failure to dictate said beliefs within MDP has somewhat expelled Nasheed from MDP and led to him becoming estranged and "neglected" among his once-zealous devotees, with center-right conservatives dominating over him and sidelining him. His past statement that he would retreat and remain quiet in such a circumstance is an indication that he foresaw the present situation. However, instead of backing down, he seems to have gathered the strength to pick himself up and dust off, to rise and stand tall again. His next move cannot be anticipated as he covertly and strategically lines up his chess pieces to revive his leftist ideology.
Either way, Nasheed's leftist ideology is no longer appealing to the MDP. Even so, he still remains in the party and has not exited the party on his own, possibly sheerly because of sentimental attachments and "heartfelt" association with the party. On the other hand, he is "allowed" to remain in the party, most likely because of the amount of respect the party has for him - an acknowledgment of his service and contribution to the party and politics. While Nasheed has been "provoking" the party in an attempt to force them to expel him throughout the current presidential term, he continues his efforts to this day.
It is no secret that the members of The Democrats hope to field Nasheed as their presidential candidate for the September elections, pitting him against President Solih - it is also no secret that Nasheed himself orchestrates this political movement. From the moment he puts his name forth as The Democrat's presidential candidate, his ties with MDP will be officially severed, as dictated by the Political Party Act. From this point forth, it is unlikely that MDP will further ignore the move and continue to overlook the significance of Nasheed's actions: Either Nasheed defects to The Democrats or he is booted from MDP. It is widely expected that Nasheed would defect to The Democrats on his own accord instead of being kicked out of his beloved MDP.
Meanwhile, the Democrats are working to gather support and register their party at a fast pace during this critical juncture. When The Democrats hand over their presidential ticket to Nasheed on a silver platter, it will raise questions about the genuine purpose of their efforts, and the deep-seated intention behind them. The term "democrats" is used to describe a group of people who support democratic ideals and systems of governance. If the party hands its ticket to Nasheed without giving space for a "true" competitive primary, the party is effectively going against its core values and setting aside democratic principles. It is clear that Nasheed conducted himself in an autocratic-like manner over the years, which very well could have been the very approach that led to the breakdown of MDP's once-impressive unity. The people of the Maldives are now impatiently waiting to see how The Democrats conduct themselves behind the seemingly deceptive facade of democracy to determine just how "democratic" they are. Nasheed's actions already exhibit the tell-tale signs that The Democrats may not be whom they claim to be. Only time will tell what they conceal behind their presumably false front, the true essence of their nature.
Nasheed remains silently with MDP, steadfastly refusing to lean left or sway right while the undercurrents of activity hum around him. While he cannot remain in this state forever, he also cannot make his move at this time. Nasheed faces obstacles to the revival of his ideology with every cautious step he takes. One thing is certain: the uncertain political life of President Nasheed is slowly heading toward darkness.
