The Elections Commission (EC) on Saturday, stated that 193 candidacy forms were submitted for the Parliamentary elections taking place in April 2019.
According to local media Mihaaru, Commission member Ahmed Akram stated that the majority of forms were submitted by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). All 86 forms handed over by the largest party were accepted.
Akram revealed that 64 of the forms were submitted by independent contestants.
In addition, 16 candidates from Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), seven candidates from Adhaalath Party, eight candidates from Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and six candidates from Jumhooree Party and Maldives National Congress (MNC) were submitted.
As the submission deadline of February 21 draws closer, Akram has requested to hastily submit the forms to EC.
While the election has captivated the attention of the general public, it is understood that many political parties will be contesting against each other. As such, MDP will be contesting in all constituencies besides Nilandhoo, Faafu Atoll. On the other hand, Jumhooree Party (JP) has decided to compete for 44 constituencies and has distributed the electoral tickets among the candidates.
Meanwhile, Maumoon Reform Movement (MRM) is planning to contest for 24 constituencies.
Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) have distributed tickets for over 60 candidates. However, PPM and PNC are in the process of withdrawing tickets from certain candidates, including former reporter Layal Manik.
MDA will be competing for eight constituencies.
Although Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Maldives Labour and Social Democratic Party (MLSDP) and Maldives Third-Way Democrats (MTD) plan to compete in the elections, they have yet to submit any candidacy forms.
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