MDP to contest for 877 seats in LCE 2020

The biggest political party in the Maldives, MDP will be contesting in 877 seats for the upcoming local council election, according to MDP.

The elections on April 4, will see 983 councilors elected. Out of the figure, 384 seats are allocated for women. MDP’s “Rahvehi Fathis” campaign spokesperson Afshan Latheef stated that 877 candidates had submitted forms to the Elections Commission out of the more than 880 that MDP had awarded tickets for.

“So, 877 candidates will be contesting in the elections on behalf of MDP. There will be some seats that MDP will not be contesting for,” said Afshan.

Speaking about the seats that the party is not contesting for, MDP president Mohamed Nasheed said that some seats by parties were left uncontested on purpose after deciding on the three seats that the parties wanted.

Nasheed also ruled out a coalition with another party regarding the campaign and the election.

“In my view, I don’t think we have to enter into a coalition with anyone else. No other party has any support. In my view, I don’t see any party coming close to winning a seat (from us).” said Nasheed.

A total of 337 women will also be contesting in the election on behalf of MDP, which is 38 percent of MDP’s candidates.