MDP cannot be remade at the whim of a few: Mauroof

Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, has stated that the MDP is a party governed by principles and policies, asserting that it is not an organization that can be dismantled and reassembled at the whim of any individual.

Speaking at the campaign closing event for Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Mauroof stated that leadership positions within the party cannot be granted to those who return after previously attempting to dismantle it. He noted that allowing such a practice would only encourage members to try and dissolve the party whenever they face an election defeat.

Mauroof stated that this is unacceptable to the public and emphasized that the party must uphold principles of justice, fairness, and established procedures. He further asserted that the party is not an entity that can be dismantled and reassembled at anyone's whim.

Senior leadership positions cannot be granted to those who return to the party after previously attempting to dismantle it. Allowing this would only encourage others to try and dissolve the party whenever they face an electoral defeat, which is something the public will not tolerate. There must be order, justice, and established principles within the party. This is not an organization that can be torn down and reassembled whenever someone feels like it.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency.

MP Mauroof stated that MDP members do not wish to see the party lose power every five years. He further noted that it is no longer tolerable to allow the current style of governance to continue.

Mauroof stated that during the previous MDP administration, the government continued to provide essential services to the public without interruption, even amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. He further noted that development projects were implemented across all islands regardless of their size, while income support allowances were provided to individuals and families, and vital assistance was extended to businesses.

However, Mauroof stated that it is necessary to reflect on the reasons why the MDP lost the 2023 presidential election. He emphasized that voters must consider the factors behind that defeat when casting their ballots in this election.

He stated that this was the result of a group defecting from the MDP and attempting to dismantle the party out of spite, simply because they failed to secure the presidential ticket.

Mauroof stated that there is no longer an opportunity to revisit that path, nor can the party be allowed to face further fragmentation. He noted that throughout the party's history, every possible opportunity has already been afforded to former President Mohamed Nasheed, who is being represented in this contest by Meekail.

Mauroof stated that he fully supports Meekail Ahmed Naseem for the chairperson position, noting that his endorsement is based on Meekail being a trustworthy candidate.

Mauroof further stated that the trajectory of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s political rise—from how he secured the party ticket and won the Male’ City Mayoral election to his eventual ascent to the presidency—is clearly visible to political observers. Consequently, he asserted that such an opportunity cannot be granted again.

Mauroof stated that since President Muizzu announced the intention to hold a referendum, Meekail's rival candidate has spoken out in support of the move. He noted that Meekail was one of the few individuals who voiced opposition to the plan from the very beginning, emphasizing that this is a distinction voters must carefully consider.