A request has been submitted to annul the announcement and timeline for the upcoming chairperson election of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), citing alleged violations of the party’s constitution.

The concern was raised in a letter sent by Chair of the MDP Appeals Board, Ahmed Abdulla Afeef, to Interim Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa.

In the letter, Afeef stated that the announcement made on Wednesday, scheduling the chairperson election for June 12, 2026, was issued in contradiction to his prior instructions.

He further noted that under Article 46 of the party’s constitution, the authority to plan and conduct the chairperson election lies with the President of the Appeals Board.

As such, any decision taken by another party body without his involvement would constitute a violation of the party’s governing framework.

Afeef also clarified that the timeline prepared by the election committee was intended only as a recommendation, adding that he had advised that a final decision should be made following consultations with party leadership and the chairperson.

Highlighting ongoing internal tensions within the party, he cautioned against proceeding with decisions that could undermine the party’s broader interests.

He additionally addressed allegations that a number of members had been transferred to the People’s National Congress (PNC) without their knowledge.

Afeef warned that conducting the election without allowing those members an opportunity to rejoin the party could infringe upon the electoral rights of both candidates and members.

In light of these concerns, Afeef requested that the announced election timeline be declared null and void, stating that it had been determined in violation of the party’s constitution.