Independent Candidates Dominate as 130 Contenders Enter Parliamentary Elections

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has revealed that a record number of independent candidates, reaching 130, are vying for positions in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

The EMC’s Deputy Chairman, Ismail Habeeb disclosed that a total of 368 candidates are contesting in the parliamentary elections, with 42 female candidates and 326 male candidates in the fray.

This election cycle witnesses a notable surge in independent candidacy, surpassing the participation of political party nominees. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has presented the highest number of candidates among political entities, fielding 90 contenders. Following closely, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has put forth 89 candidates for the electoral contest.

A breakdown of the candidates reveals:

• 130 independent candidates
• 90 candidates from MDP
• 89 candidates from PNC
• 39 candidates from The Democrats
• 10 candidates from Jumhooree Party (JP)
• 4 candidates from Adhaalath Party
• 4 candidates from Maldives Development Alliance (MDA)
• 2 candidates from Maldives National Party (MNP)

Explaining the status of candidate eligibility, he mentioned that out of the applicants, 372 candidates have been deemed eligible. However, four candidates have opted to withdraw their candidacies.

The candidates who withdrew their nominations include the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate contesting the Mulah constituency, the People’s National Congress (PNC) candidate contesting the Gadhdhoo constituency, an independent candidate contesting the Kinbidhoo constituency, and Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Rasheed, who was seeking re-election on The Democrats’ ticket.

Moreover, the ECM has commenced the announcement of candidates’ names and their respective details in various constituencies.

As of now, the parliamentary elections are slated to take place on March 17, coinciding with the month of Ramadan. However, a recent amendment to the General Elections Act, passed by the