PNC opens applications for Hithadhoo North primary
The seat became vacant following a ruling by the Supreme Court, which determined that Mohamed Sinan had lost his parliamentary seat.
The People’s National Congress has opened applications for members seeking to contest the party’s primary to select a candidate for the Hithadhoo North constituency by-election.
The seat became vacant following a ruling by the Supreme Court, which determined that Mohamed Sinan had lost his parliamentary seat. The case was filed over a year ago over a debt that had not been repaid in accordance with a prior ruling of the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court.
Although Sinan settled the outstanding amount on the day the case was filed at the Supreme Court, the earlier court ruling required repayment in instalments over six months. The Supreme Court held that failure to follow the repayment schedule resulted in loss of eligibility to remain in office.
In a statement issued on Monday night, the PNC said applications for the primary will be accepted from today until next Sunday. The party stated that a primary election will be held only if more than one eligible candidate applies and meets the criteria set by the party’s internal elections committee.
If required, the primary is scheduled for April 25 from 08:00 to 16:00. Eligibility to apply is limited to individuals who were registered members of the PNC as of last Monday.
The Elections Commission of Maldives has scheduled the by-election for June 6. Applications for the by-election opened at 10:00 Tuesday and will close at 15:00 on April 29.
From the Maldivian Democratic Party, Ahmed Sodiq has expressed interest in contesting the seat. His candidacy has been endorsed by Mohamed Nasheed, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and Mohamed Aslam.
