Maldivian Democratic Party
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| Maldivian Democratic Party | |
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| Leader | Mohamed Nasheed |
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| Founded | November 10, 2003 |
| Headquarters | Malé, Maldives |
| Ideology | Liberalism, Social liberalism |
| Website | |
| www.mdp.org.mv | |
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is a political party of the Maldives. It is a liberal party with its stated goal being the promotion of human rights and democracy in the Maldives.
There had not been political parties in the Maldives since 1952. The MDP initially submitted its registration on February 24, 2001. Although the Maldivian Constitution allows political parties to operate, the MDP's application was rebuffed. Shortly after the 2003 Maldives civil riots and the death of Evan Naseem, MDP declared its existence in exile from Sri Lanka on November 10, 2003. Initially, it was formed by a group of 42 people, which included members of parliament, a former cabinet minister and leading businessmen. Members on its first general council were elected on February 13, 2004.
Although the MDP was not recognized by the Maldivian government, it began operating in Maldives on April 30, 2005, with its Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) returning to the country from exile.
On June 2, 2005, the country's 50-member legislature, the Majlis voted unanimously to allow political parties to operate in the Maldives. MDP was the first organization to submit its registration on June 9 and was promptly registered on June 26, 2005.
On December 20, 2005 Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) was elected President of the MDP. Ibrahim Ismail resigned on April 30, 2006. Vice President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, became acting President, till Presidential primaries were held in 2007, where Dr. Mohamed Munawar was voted in as President of the Party. Following a national referendum to decide on a system of governance, Party primaries needed to be held again in accordance with a Presidential system, to elect a Presidential candidate. On April 14 2007 Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) was elected as the MDP's Presidential candidate. Nasheed and the MDP have won the maldivian presidential election held in 28/10/2008 and they are going to be leading Maldives for coming 5 years.
