The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s National Council tonight approved the appointment of the party’s former Vice President Mohamed Shifaz (Shippe) to the position of Deputy Chairperson for Finance.

At tonight’s National Council meeting, 30 out of the 34 members in attendance voted to appoint Shippe to the post. The position became vacant following the resignation of its previous holder, Ahmed Abdulla. He resigned in order to work on the campaign of former party President Abdulla Shahid, who is contesting in the MDP presidential primary.

Shippe, who previously held senior roles within the MDP, left the party in 2023 due to internal disagreements. He subsequently served as Vice President of The Democrats — the party founded by former President Mohamed Nasheed — before rejoining the MDP on January 11, 2025. Ali Azim, the former MP for Medhu-Henveiru constituency, also joined the MDP alongside Shippe on that same day.