Fayyaz Ismail abruptly steps down as MDP Chair

Fayyaz Ismail has resigned from his post as Chairperson of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

He announced his decision during the MDP National Congress meeting held on Sunday. In his resignation letter, Fayyaz said he was stepping down due to his intention to contest the upcoming presidential election. He explained that the presence of other individuals seeking the party’s presidential ticket had created significant difficulties in carrying out the party’s work effectively.

He stated that he wished to end the perception that he stood in the way of the party’s active advisor and president in making decisions and managing party affairs with full authority. He also noted that, during meetings held with members to gather public opinion on the party’s roadmap, he had pledged to give them an opportunity to express their views on the party’s leaders. To create that space, he said he was resigning from the chairpersonship with immediate effect.

While Fayyaz announced his resignation on Sunday night, the National Congress meeting had been scheduled to approve regulations for taking disciplinary action against party members and to discuss the upcoming local council elections.

Fayyaz was elected MDP Chairperson on 14 May 2022, winning the position by a wide margin with more than 23,000 votes.