Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is celebrating its 16th anniversary on Saturday.

To mark the occasion, a Maldives national flag and an MDP flag were hoisted at the party’s headquarters in the capital early Saturday morning.

The Maldivian national flag was hoisted by MDP’s Vice President Mohamed Shifaz while Chairperson Hassan Latheef hoisted the party flag.

Member of MDP’s National Congress took part in the ceremony virtually.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih sent anniversary greetings to MDP members via Twitter. Party President, former President Mohamed Nasheed who was recently the target of a terror attack in the capital, did the same.

MDP was registered in 2005 and is the first political party formed in Maldives. Its stated goal is the promotion of human rights and democracy in the country.

MDP became the main ruling party after winning the 2018 presidential election. The party also received supermajority in the parliamentary election.

While the main ruling party celebrates its 16th anniversary on Saturday, reports of a division within the party have been increasing.