MDP President Abdulla Shahid has begun efforts to reduce the tension that arose within the party after former President Mohamed Nasheed was denied the opportunity to speak at the rally held to celebrate the opposition MDP's success in the Local Council Elections.

Although the initial agenda for the rally held by the MDP at Artificial Beach tonight included a speech by Nasheed, the agenda was later changed and that item was removed.

Consequently, some activists supporting him boycotted the rally, and Nasheed himself did not attend.

In a message sent to the MDP National Council's WhatsApp group regarding the matter, Shahid stated that the election was won through the hard work of the members and that the general members desire for the party to move forward without dividing. He also noted that both Presidents (Nasheed and Solih) participating and speaking at the rally would be something that builds trust in the party among members and those who voted for it.

"We have been divided once and suffered the consequences; let us not repeat that," Shahid said, concluding the message.

According to posts by some MDP activists on social media, when the agenda for the rally currently underway at the Carnival area was first drafted, it included Nasheed speaking. However, when the agenda was changed later, it was instead arranged for a Mayor to speak.

While some activists stated on social media that they would not attend tonight's rally due to dissatisfaction with how Nasheed was treated, the seat specifically reserved for him remained vacant as he was not present.

Nasheed left the MDP in 2023 due to dissatisfaction with the party leadership and formed The Democrats. However, he rejoined the MDP last year.

Following his return, Nasheed traveled to several cities and islands to campaign for the MDP in the Local Council elections held last Saturday.