Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid’s letter to the party’s deputy chairperson, Ibrahim Waheed, sets out longstanding concerns over internal governance and electoral practices, Shuaib Ali has stated.

In a voice message shared across several political groups, Shuaib said the letter alleges that a family-centred power structure has shaped the party since its inception and that internal elections were manipulated over a 17-year period, obstructing meaningful reform.

Shuaib added that Shahid’s communication sheds light on current challenges facing the party’s reform efforts. He said he appreciated being informed of the alleged vote rigging and expressed hope for strong, long-term leadership for the Maldives, calling for continued public support for national development.

The letter was reportedly sent after MDP leadership influenced the party council’s vote to appoint an interim chairperson on two occasions, following the resignation of Fayyaz Ismail. Shahid addressed the letter to Ibrahim Waheed, who oversaw the vote. The former Dhidhdhoo MP, who had contested for the interim chairperson post, withdrew his candidacy before the results were finalised, citing the actions of MDP advisor and former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Shahid.

The party remains without a chairperson, leaving its internal decision-making at a standstill.