The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday submitted forms for the 86 contestants set to represent the party in the parliamentary election to the Elections Commission (EC).
The candidates collectively walked from MDP's main office to the EC headquarters in capital city, Male' along with leading party figures. Several supporters also participated in the procession of candidates who were finalised after an internal primary election. The submission of forms was carried out in a celebratory manner according to party tradition.
While EC Vice President Amjadh Ibrahim accepted the forms on behalf of the commission, EC member Ismail Habeeb assured that they would be processed within 48 hours. MDP is the first political party which submitted such a large number of candidacy forms to EC for the parliamentary election slated for April 6.
Amjadh highlighted the likelihood that April's election would be highly competitive and that many people would be eagerly waiting for the results. The EC Vice President also states that he hopes the voting would go smoothly and guaranteed a free and fair election.
Amjadh also expressed hopes that EC would receive full co-operation from MDP. He requested the candidates to maintain proper behaviour and be mindful of the electoral rights of other contestants.
Although MDP and Adhaalath party held discussions for the former to concede six seats to the latter, an agreement was not reached. MDP submitted candidates for all 87 constituencies. These include the constituencies of Vaikaradhoo, Makunudhoo, Mahibadhoo, Kaashidhoo, Milandhoo and Fuvahmulah South.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed said that MDP cannot concede their constituencies as per AP's request. He reasoned that since the tickets had already been granted to candidates after holding primaries for each constituency.
Nasheed notes that the chance to run for parliamentary elections was now in the hands of those who won the primaries and the MDP members belonging to those constituencies.
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