News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — The Democrats Party, led by former President Mohamed Nasheed, formally dissolved on Tuesday, with most of its members, including Nasheed, rejoining the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in a bid to strengthen the opposition ahead of next year’s local council elections.
The decision, announced after an informal meeting of the Democrats Party National Assembly, reflects a growing consensus among opposition leaders that a unified front is essential to challenge the ruling coalition, restore public confidence in the multi-party system, and ensure government accountability. A resolution passed at the meeting emphasized the need for collaboration to improve the Maldives’ political and economic prospects.
Forty-six members attended the meeting, though a handful declined to rejoin the MDP, signaling lingering divisions within the opposition. The Democrats Party was formed in 2023 amid a rift between Nasheed and then-President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih during the presidential election campaign, a split many MDP leaders blame for their loss to the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives.
Fayyaz Ismail, the MDP’s chairperson, welcomed the move, saying, “The country can only be put back on track if all those working for reform collaborate.” Ismail and other MDP members have long argued that Nasheed’s creation of the Democrats Party fractured the opposition vote, costing them the presidency.
Nasheed, a prominent figure in Maldivian politics and a vocal advocate for democratic reforms, joined the Democrats Party on July 13, 2023, after threatening to dissolve the MDP entirely. His return to the MDP marks a significant realignment in the country’s political landscape as the opposition seeks to regain momentum.
The reunification comes at a critical time for the Maldives, which faces economic challenges and growing concerns over governance. Analysts say the MDP’s ability to reconcile internal differences and present a cohesive platform will be crucial in the upcoming elections.
While the move has been hailed as a step toward opposition unity, the refusal of some Democrats Party members to rejoin the MDP suggests that healing the rift will require further negotiation. For now, Nasheed’s return to the MDP fold offers a glimmer of hope for those seeking a stronger, more competitive political system in the Maldives.
