MDP commences national council by-elections

Former ruling party and current opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have begun voting in the by-election of their national council.

The voting process started at 14:30 hrs this afternoon and is scheduled to continue until 21:00 hrs tonight. Currently, there are 20 constituencies, including the Malé region, participating in the election.

According to the voter's list published by the party, a total of 10,683 individual are eligible to vote for the 20 constituencies. As such, 27 ballot boxes were placed in the Malé region, and 24 were sent to various islands, said MDP.

The most competitive seat in the election this time is the position of President for the party's Malé constituency, with Malé City's Mayor Adam Azim and former MP of West Maafannu constituency Mohamed Falah competing for the seat.

Candidates for other constituencies include Meekail Mohamed Riyaz and Ahmed Shaffan for the Central Henveiru constituency, while former MP Ibrahim Muizzu and Ahmed Ahnaf Firaq are competing for the North Henveiru constituency.

North Galolhu constituency is also highly competitive, with Aik Ahmed Easa and former Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi vying for the seat. Additionally, the North Machangolhi constituency features a contest between party activist Khadeeja Mohamed and Liruaam Waheed.

Furushan Mohamed and Ifham Hussain are competing for the North Maafannu seat, while Mariyam Eema Shafeeq, Mohamed Gudhurathulla, and Maaz Mohamed Saleem are vying for the West Henveiru seat.

Safaath Ahmed Zahir is contesting in the Central Hulhumalé constituency, with Ahmed Shafeeq as her opponent. Additionally, Abdulla Naseer Mohamed, Fathimath Zahiyya, and Yoosuf Siraj are competing for the North Hulhumalé seat.

Presidency of Thinadhoo City is also up for election, with former MP Abdul Mughunee and Ahmed Gais competing for the position.

MDP announced that, while the election is being held today, the party had already elected and announced 34 candidates for various constituencies last month, without holding a general election.