Polling begins for PPM/PNC parliamentary primaries

Polling has begun in the Progressive Party of Maldives/People's National Congress (PPM/PNC) primary to decide the candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Voting for the coalition's primaries to determine candidates for the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 17 began at 10:00 hrs today.

PPM said that voting will be conducted for 73 constituencies with 283 candidates competing. The voting will be held from 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs.

Eligible voters come up to a total of 71,597.

According to PPM, ballot boxes for those voting in Male' City for island constituencies will be placed at the Henveiru Stadium.

For Male' persons voting in these primaries, the party said vote boxes will be located at Kalaafaanu School, Jamaluddeen School, Thaajuddeen School, Villimale' Youth Centre, Kamil Didi School and Rehendhi School.

In the islands, ballot boxes are placed in locations agreed upon by the candidates.

Thirteen candidates have already had their tickets confirmed without a need to participate in the primaries as they were the sole contestants in their respective constituencies.

PNC has also decided not to contest in the Maamigili constituency, where Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim is running, the North Maafannu constituency, where Maldives National Party (MNP) leader Mohamed Nazim is contesting, and the Meedhoo constituency, where Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) leader Ahmed Siyam is contesting.

Earlier, the decision was made to not accept the application forms of some contesters who wished to run for the primary, depending on the time they have served with the party, and on accusations of contributing to strife as well. However, after candidates and party members expressed their concern over this verdict, it was later revoked.

Despite this, some members decided to not run in the primary and withdrew their candidacy forms. Abdulraheem has said this will not undermine the party.