The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will contest for 877 seats in the upcoming local council election while main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) aims to secure 673 seats.
Elections Commission (EC) also accepted 118 candidacy forms from Jumhooree Party (JP) and 30 from Adhaalath Party, both members of the governing coalition.
The elections watchdog is yet to announce the number of independent candidates participating in the election.
Slated for April 4, a total of 982 councillors will be elected in the first local council election to be held following a major amendment to the Decentralisation Act granting considerable autonomy and authority to the councils.
More than 540 ballot boxes will be placed for the election with 6,500 to 7,000 individuals serving as observers and officials for EC.
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