Maldivian Democratic Party Expels Incumbent MP Abdulla Jabir

The current MP for Kaashidhoo, Abdulla Jabir, has been expelled from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) following a decision made by the party’s disciplinary committee. 

The move comes after an investigation into a complaint lodged against Jabir, as confirmed by a statement released by the MDP.

Jabir had secured victory in the party’s recent primary for the upcoming parliamentary elections, claiming the Kaashidhoo seat with 252 votes. His closest rival, Abdulla Riffath, garnered 150 votes in the primary.

The disciplinary committee acted in response to allegations that Jabir had repeatedly used offensive language and disregarded societal norms in his interactions with the public. These actions were deemed to be contrary to the interests of the party’s members at large.

The decision rendered by the disciplinary committee effectively disqualifies Jabir from representing the MDP in the upcoming elections and results in his immediate expulsion from the party. 

The statement issued by the MDP outlines further consequences for Jabir, including a requirement for approval from the party’s national council should he seek readmission. Additionally, Jabir is prohibited from contesting any positions within the party or participating in primaries for a period of five years, even if he is reinstated.

Jabir’s behaviour has previously drawn criticism, with instances of him using offensive language and making inappropriate gestures captured on video both inside and outside of Parliament. He has also faced ejection from parliamentary proceedings due to disruptive conduct.

The recent incident that prompted the disciplinary action involved Jabir directing offensive language and gestures towards members of the public, eliciting widespread condemnation.

Jabir, who previously won the 2019 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate after departing from the MDP, rejoined the party in June 2023 following the dissolution of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), of which he was formerly the leader.

In a separate development, Jabir’s son, Ahmed Muaz, secured victory in the recent MDP primary, earning the party’s nomination for the Mahibadhoo seat.