A reform agenda for MDP?

The reform agenda launched by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom had sparked intense debate from within the party and in the nation. Political pundits labelled this infighting as a gift for opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). During all this, MDP sat at the sidelines, watching the turmoil bubble over onto social media platforms and national media.

While President Maumoon was bold enough to launch a reform agenda, many were questioning the lack of internal democracy within the Party, who claimed to be the biggest mover and shaker in the country’s political sphere. Shouldn’t MDP also attempt a reform agenda?

MDP was the first party on the political field, to advocate for a multi-party system. The Party had remained steadfast throughout the early years, fashioning themselves as champions of democracy, personal liberties and justice. With all this, the public perception of MDP then was extremely positive. But after 11 years of existence, has the Party really adhered to its lofty targets?

Parliament’s Deputy Speaker and one of the founder members, MP Moosa Manik said the Party had failed to uphold its own values, but rather had been hijacked by a certain group. He said the Party currently espouses values that are against their core values. He also said the Party leadership is now at the hands of those who had once sought out to destroy the Party.

“Parties are run like football clubs. They are dedicated to one individual, fully hijacked by one significant person. Opportunities for others is restricted. This is not an aspect of multi-party system,” Moosa said.

While MDP had extremely idealistic goals to begin with but later on seemed to have given up those goals and idealism in favor of political gain, especially when it came to the Constitution. Instead of championing climate change and the nation, MDP had veered off towards defaming the nation.

Not all members of the Party had accepted this change in direction, and had moved away from the leadership or left the Party.

What would be in a reform agenda for MDP?

Even in the last annual meeting of the Party, it was announced that Nasheed will contest on the Party ticket for the 2018 elections. They said this was the wish of the Party members as well. However, this is not a likely prospect. Some members said the Party had become a cult, following Nasheed and spending all of the Party finances on his protection.

A former senior member of the Party said that due to this, in some instances the Party had to act against their own members and at the expense of the Party’s reputation. Many of the Party members who had left the Party following the deal made with the Government to free Nasheed had voiced out their concerns over the Pyrrhic victory.

Party democracy is at a halt, as positions, tickets and elections are portioned off between one group. Members, especially the youth members, have expressed their discontent over this hijacking and the pall cast over the Party.

These are one of the reasons Party members call out for reform, say the Party had lost most of its political leverage. Therefore, it is apparent that the Party needs a reform agenda as much as PPM needs one.