MDP’s parliamentary primary slated for February 3rd

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced its decision to hold its primary to elect the candidates who will be contesting the upcoming parliamentary election on the party’s ticket on February 3^rd.

The party, on Sunday, announced the constituencies the party has to hold the primary for and the names of the candidates who have applied for the constituencies.

MDP opened applications for the primary on December 16^th, with a deadline set for December 25^th.

36 candidates who applied for the primary during this timeframe guaranteed the ticket without contesting, as no other individuals had applied for those constituencies.

MDP had previously stated the party would be holding its primary this month.

The parliamentary election is slated for March 17^th.

The ongoing 19^th parliament saw MDP secure supermajority with the most seats they have secured to date. With the party’s defeat in September’s presidential election, MDP must secure as many seats as possible in the parliamentary election to remain politically influential.