MDP extends chairperson election voting by 30 minutes
The election comes amid continuing competition between factions within the party.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has extended the voting period for its chairperson election by 30 minutes.
Voting in the party's internal election on Friday was originally scheduled to take place from 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm. However, the party announced on Thursday night that polling will now continue until 8:30 pm.
The MDP did not provide a reason for the extension.
Three candidates are contesting the election for the position of party chairperson. They are former President Mohamed Nasheed, Ibrahim Mohamed and Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem.
The election comes amid continuing competition between factions within the party.
Nasheed's campaign has received support from members aligned with former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.
Meekail's campaign has been backed largely by supporters of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and members aligned with current MDP President Abdulla Shahid.
Shahid has stated that, in his capacity as party president, he is not endorsing any candidate in the election.
The chairperson election is being closely watched as the party prepares for future electoral contests and internal organisational reforms.
