Democrats VP Alaika opposes MDP merger resolution
The Vice President of The Democrats, Ashiyath Alaika Adnan, has publicly rejected the party's recent resolution to dissolve and rejoin the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), stating that the move lacks legitimacy and infringes on members’ individual political rights.
In a detailed statement posted on the social media platform X, Alaika criticized the resolution passed during the Democrats' National Assembly on Tuesday.
The resolution, proposed by the party’s Women’s Branch leader Fathimath Hamdha, called for the party to reunify with the MDP in order to form a stronger, united opposition ahead of the upcoming local council elections.
I would like to make it unequivocally clear: a political party is greater than the National Assembly itself. The Vice President is just one elected representative among hundreds of others. Resolutions are not determined by the opinion or authority of a single individual, they are passed through the collective vote of elected members.
Alaika wrote.
She emphasized that joining or leaving a political party is a personal and voluntary choice,
I firmly believe that joining a political party is a fundamental right that every individual exercises freely, independently and without restriction. No resolution is required to validate or restrict that choice
She stated
She continued by stating that while anyone may voice their opinion or make a request, no one holds the authority to make such personal decisions on behalf of another,.
Therefore, I categorically reject the content of the said resolution. Its essence is flawed, and in my view, it holds no enforceable or legitimate value.
She concluded
Internal Debate Follows Historic Split
The Democrats were formed in 2023 after a major fallout between then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, which fractured the MDP. Nasheed and his allies left the MDP, with the stated goal of reforming the country’s political direction.
However, the breakaway party struggled to build a strong base and did not significantly weaken MDP’s influence.
The recent resolution to dissolve the party and rejoin the MDP has been seen by some as an acknowledgment of the limitations of operating as a separate faction.
But Alaika’s open rejection signals internal divisions that could complicate the merger process.
MDP Welcomes Nasheed and Democrats
Meanwhile, the MDP has issued an official statement tonight welcoming President Mohamed Nasheed and members of The Democrats back to the party.
In the statement, the MDP affirmed its openness to anyone who is committed to doing meaningful work for the nation.
The MDP is open to anyone who wants to do real work for the country. The party will continue its work with the newly joined members and President Nasheed
the statement read.
The move comes amid rising momentum within the MDP as it prepares for the 2025 local council elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Prominent figures including MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and MDP President Abdulla Shahid are all seen as potential contenders for the presidential ticket.
Nasheed has also reportedly reached out to both MDP and Democratic leaders regarding a possible candidacy.
As both parties navigate this political transition, questions remain over how unified the opposition will be and whether leaders like Alaika, who oppose the merger, will remain within the new structure or seek a different path forward.
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