The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) wants to field ‘leaders’ for the upcoming parliamentary elections, not ‘masters’, says President’s Office Minister Ahmed Naseem.
Naseem, who served as foreign minister during the first MDP government, said this during an event on Friday night, to launch the campaign for MDP chairperson Hassan Latheef, who is contesting in the party’s primary for North-Henveiru constituency.
Naseem said that Latheef is an exemplary leader, for his firm conviction in democratic ideals such as equality and respect for rule of law.
The minister also praised Latheef for his patience and contribution to MDP during times ‘of turmoil’, when the party’s leaders were, as Naseem described it, targeted by former president Abdulla Yameen.
Naseem said Latheef had taken initiative to empower general members of the party and that the parliament needs individuals such as them for pledges made to the people to be fulfilled.
In this regard, Naseem said that MDP and former president Mohamed Nasheed, elected in 2008 had struggled with making decisions because the parliament that was elected after did not allow him to meet his pledges.
MDP’s primary elections are scheduled for January and the party is to field candidates for all constituencies; the parliamentary elections are to be held on April 6th.
