The National Congress of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has voted to elect the party's chairperson on May 14.
President of the Upper North Province Ibrahim Waheed submitted the motion to reschedule the election, as it was initially scheduled to be held on April 16, during the month of Ramadan.
During the debate, Parliamentarian Ali Azim accused members in favour of the motion of attempting to delay the election in order to influence the vote. Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Parliamentarian Imthiyaz Fahmy are competing for the position of Chairperson of MDP. However, Minister Fayyaz spoke in favour of rescheduling the election, while Parliamentarian Fahmy opposed the motion.
Minister Fayyaz said he stands with the government and will campaign for President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the next presidential election, but added that he has seen some try to hinder the work of the government from within the Parliament of the Maldives.
Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla said the month of Ramadan is not a valid reason to delay an election and that the motion is not in line with the party's principles.
A total of 100 of the 115 present members voted in favour of rescheduling the election, with 15 voting against the motion.