MDP Excludes Members in Parliamentary Primary Who Opposed Solih

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) declared that members who worked against their defeated presidential candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, would not be allowed to participate in the primary for the upcoming parliamentary election, in a press conference held yesterday.

MDP Deputy Chairman Ibrahim Waheed raised concerns about individuals who opposed Solih during the presidential campaign still being on the Election Commission’s register. He emphasised that even if they remain on the register, such members would not be permitted to contest the parliamentary primary, in accordance with the party’s constitution.

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According to Waheed, the party’s constitution prohibits members from acting against the party’s presidential candidate, and expulsion is a possible consequence for such actions. Despite being unable to resolve the issue administratively, these members are still part of the party.

The MDP announced that its parliamentary primary is scheduled for the 26th and 27th of next month, with the registration period open until the 25th of this month.

Speaking about the criteria for contesting the primary, Ibrahim Waheed outlined that qualifications as prescribed in the Constitution, a criminal record check, and considerations of service to the party, length of time in the party, and adherence to ethical standards outlined in the Constitution will be taken into account.

In a notable departure from previous practices, the MDP revealed that it would not be open to contesting the primary this time, opting to allocate tickets to certain constituencies without conducting a primary.