Umar Hussain wins MDA Manadhoo primary

Umar Hussain has won the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) parliamentary ticket for Manadhoo constituency to face the parliamentary election on March 22, as a candidate representing the ruling coalition.

MDA members voted in Noonu Manadhoo, Noonu Maafaru , Noonu Landhoo and the capital Male’. Umar Hussain won 51 percent, 305 votes from a total of 595 ballots cast, against Mohamed Abdulla of Noonu Landhoo.

Three members filed to contest in MDA primary for 9 tickets allocated to the party by the coalition. One applicant, Abdulla Sujau, later withdrew his application.

Six members have secured MDA parliamentary tickets. They include; MDA leader and sitting MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, who has received the Meedhoo ticket, the party’s deputy leader and sitting MP Mohamed Amir, who has received the Kudahuvadhoo ticket, MDA’s deputy leader Ali Mauroof got the Kendhikulhudhoo ticket and Mohamed Ismail has gained the ticket for Hoarafushi constituency.

While Ali Mauroof and Mohamed Ismail gained tickets by defaults for being the only applicants, Ali Farish and Umar Hussain secured the tickets through a primary vote.