Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Thursday nullified the candidacies of three contestants running in the primaries for Henveiru Hulhangu constituency, and awarded the party ticket to Aishath Moosa.
A total of five candidates were gunning for the party ticket for this constituency for the upcoming local council elections. However, the results of the ballot box for the constituency were not announced due to a problem that arose over disagreements on how a null vote was declared.
According to a statement released by MDP on Wednesday night, three candidacies were nullified over reports of misconduct and unacceptable behaviour. MDP stated that when invited into the party office to count the ballots afterwards, some candidates caused chaos in the vicinity.
Maldives' largest political party stated that Ahmed Asim, Ibrahim Manik and Mohamed Fishawin Saleem who contested in the primaries had entered the party office along with some others, snatched the ballot box, ran outside and emptied the ballot papers onto the road, thereby violating the rights of the other candidates.
MDP described the act as a disciplinary issue, adding that such behaviour would not be tolerated in candidates attempting to run for electoral positions under the party ticket.
After announcing that Asim, Ibrahim Manik and Fishawin's candidacies were nullified, MDP declared that Aishath Moosa would be granted the party ticket since she secured the most number of votes in the primary.
Moreover, the party noted that the case has now been submitted to the party's investigative committee and measures will be taken against the perpetrators.
MDP has also decided on holding another primary due to a problem related to a ballot box located in Gaafu Alif Atoll.
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