MDP Calls for 10-Day Extension to Local Council Election Application Deadline
(L to R) local council elections deputy campaing manager Ali Niyaz, campaign spokeperson Mohamed Waheed (Waddey), and deputy spokeperson Villingili Constituency President Hussain Hassan during a recent press briefing calling for the introduction of the manual application process. | Photo: MDP Secretariat/X
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for a 10-day postponement to the deadline for submitting applications to contest the upcoming local council elections, citing an inadequate timeframe and what it described as growing obstacles to a free and fair electoral process.
Speaking at a press conference held today, the spokesperson for the party’s local council elections campaign, Abdulla Waheed (Waddey) said the short window provided for submitting candidacy forms has created serious difficulties for prospective candidates, particularly as elections draw closer and key institutions appear unprepared to manage the process.
He said the situation risks disenfranchising candidates and unfairly benefitting those aligned with the government. It alleged that a series of actions are being taken to tilt the playing field in favour of government-backed candidates, describing this as a deliberate effort to undermine electoral fairness.
Waheed reiterated that the Elections Commission is legally obligated to ensure a free and fair election, but claimed there is currently no evidence that the commission is adequately fulfilling this responsibility. Against this backdrop, the MDP formally requested a 10-day extension to the application deadline.
During the briefing, Waheed also referred to the recent issuance—and subsequent cancellation—of a summons against its Hulhumalé North constituency candidate, Fathimath Zahiyya, describing the episode as an example of political influence over state institutions.
He said that the party is actively preparing for the local council elections, including submitting candidate forms, forming campaign teams, drafting its manifesto, and conducting nationwide training programmes for candidates. It stressed that it remains an organised party with extensive experience in electoral processes.
Waheed also aimed accusations at the government, saying they were exerting undue influence in the lead-up to the polls by distributing land plots, housing flats and public sector jobs, and claimed that oversight bodies were failing to act against such practices.
