MDP opens candidacy for primary scheduled for January 28th

In an announcement on Sunday, main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has revealed that their primary for the 2023’s presidential election will be held on January 28^th, 2023.

As per the announcement, individuals who are interested in contesting in the presidential election on MDP’s ticket can put forth their candidacy for the primary starting today till December 24^th.

Interested individuals have been instructed to submit their applications with the support of 500 members from the party before 4:00pm on December 24^th.

The announcement also specified a timeline for the primary, which is as follows;

December 18^th – Announcement of date for primary, applications open

December 24^th – Deadline to submit candidacy

January 3^rd – Announcement of final voters list for the primary

January 28^th – Voting in the primary

While the party has announced its primary – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed his interest in running for a second term, also confirming his decision to compete in MDP’s primary.

MDP’s leader, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has also been indirectly preparing to compete in the primary. He is a party member who has contested in all primaries since MDP was incepted. However, no official announcement has been made on whether he will compete in the primary.

The primary comes at a time MDP is divided into two factions – in a major internal conflict. One faction rally behind Nasheed, while the other, President Solih.