PPM/PNC primary: multiple former MPs secure tickets

A number of former parliamentarians have confirmed the Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress (PPM/PNC) coalition's tickets in the primary elections held today to decide candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for March 17.

The ruling coalition held their primary election for the parliamentary election today, with a total of 283 candidates running for 73 constituencies.

The preliminary vote count shows former MP for Dhiggaru and Vice Speaker of the Parliament Ahmed Nazim has secured the ticket.

The Vilimale’ ticket was secured by former MP for Hoarafushi Mohamed Ismail. The Inguraidhoo ticket was won by Ibrahim Falah, who had been the parliamentarian of that constituency during the 18th parliament, while the Dhidhdhoo ticket was won by former MP for the constituency Abdul Latheef Mohamed.

Two seats in Maafannu were also secured by former parliamentarians. They are Abdulla Rifaau for South Maafannu, and Asma Rasheed for Central Maafannu.

North Thinadhoo ticket was secured by former MP for the constituency Saudulla Hilmy, while Hassan Mufeed, former MP for Milandhoo constituency confirmed their tickets.

Other candidates who won their tickets include Ibrahim Naseer, the current parliamentarian for Thulusdhoo, and Male’ City Council member Ahmed Aifan, who secured the North Henveiru ticket.

The North Kulhudhuffushi ticket was secured by the island’s council member Mohamed Dawood.

Hussain Riza, who is the younger brother of former parliamentarian for Maafushi constituency Ahmed Riza, secured the Kaafu atoll Maafushi ticket.

Huraa seat was secured by former Vice President of the Kaafu atoll Council Abdulla Waris. Former MP for Makunudhoo constituency Anaara Naeem, who ran for this seat, lost the ticket.

Polling for PPM/PNC parliamentary peimary was held from 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs. today.