700 applications for MDP tickets for local council elections

More than 700 people have applied for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) tickets for the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections, the party said today.

MDP Election Committee chairperson Mohamed Falaah told Mihaaru News that 706 individuals submitted applications, including 506 for the council elections and 196 for the women’s development committee.

Of these, 129 candidates will contest the party’s primary for the council elections, while 23 will compete in the primary for the women’s development committee. The remaining candidates have been granted party tickets without a primary.

A total of 1,362 positions are to be filled in the local council and women’s development committee elections, scheduled for 4 April next year.

Falaah said applicants come from all major islands, including cities.

“Even in islands where candidates are not available, efforts are being made to find candidates,” he said.

He added that all preparations would be completed ahead of the nomination deadline, allowing candidates to contest on the MDP ticket in many constituencies.

The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) is also preparing for a primary on Saturday, with around 300 candidates expected to compete.