MDP’s Primary for Parliamentary Elections Commence
Photo: MDP
Voting is currently underway in the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary, marking a crucial step in selecting candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
In this primary, candidates are vying for positions in 46 constituencies, with no MDP candidates contesting for seven seats. The party has taken measures to ensure accessibility by installing a total of 95 ballot boxes across various atolls, along with an additional 26 in the greater Male’ area. Notably, polling stations have been set up in prominent locations such as Majeediyya School and Jamaluddin School in Male’ City.
Specific arrangements have been made for the districts in Hulhumale’, where primaries are being held for three areas. Ballot boxes for North Hulhumale’ are situated at Kamil Didi Pre-school in Phase II, while those for South Hulhumale’ and Central Hulhumale’ are located at Mohamed Qasim Pre-school in Phase I.
Currently, 46 candidates of the MDP have already secured their tickets, either by running unopposed or by virtue of other candidates withdrawing their nominations.
The MDP, which previously enjoyed a sweeping victory in the 2019 elections, securing a supermajority in Parliament, is now facing a pivotal moment following its loss in the recent presidential elections to the PPM-PNC coalition. Winning significantly in the upcoming parliamentary elections is crucial for the party to maintain its political influence.
The parliamentary elections are slated for March 17, although the MDP has proposed a bill to postpone the elections until after Ramadan.