Voting begins for PPM presidential primary

Members of the Progressive Party of Maldives have started casting their secret votes this morning to elect a presidential candidate for the upcoming election.

The party’s elections committee chairman Mohamed Tholal said that 167 ballot boxes have been placed in 140 islands and that voting commenced at 8:00 am this morning. He said that they are have encountered a few problems since the voting began, but said that all problems are minor.

A total of 31,298 PPM members are eligible to vote in the party's presidential primary. Seven ballot boxes have been places in the capital Male’. These boxes are located in; Kalaafaanu School for the members registered in Henveyru ward, Imaduddin School for the members registered in Galolhu ward, Aminiya School for those registered in Machangolhi ward, Hiriya School for those members registered in Maafannu ward, Lale International School for those members living in Hulhumale’, Muhiyudheen School for those living in Vilimale’ and an another a box also in Imaduddin School for those who are registered in the Male’ Dhaftharu.

The election is being contested by PPM Parliamentary Group Leader Abdulla Yameen and the party’s former Vice President Umar Naseer.