Voting for the Chairperson of Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) began on Saturday morning, and is ongoing smoothly.

The election has been noted as one of the most competitive elections by a political party in the Maldives. Ruling MDP had several differences internally within their members before the election even approached.

The first major crack within the party was seen during the national congress of the party, where President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and MDP President Mohamed Nasheed were seen going head to head. The party wad divided into two factions, with the supporters of President Solih winning the election majority.

The differences are evident with the election for MDP Chairperson, as Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail is competing with the support of President Solih’s faction and MP Imthiyaz Fahmy is competing with the support of Speaker Nasheed.

Among the two competing candidates, Fayyaz has received a wider support among cabinet ministers and lawmakers. As such the cabinet ministers for Health, Education, Finance and Environment are all supporting Fayyaz.

In addition to the election for MDP Chairperson, the election for MDP Womens Wing is also ongoing where MP Roxaina and Safaath Ahmed are competing.