MDP looks to hold parliamentary primary in late December
“The intention is to hold it in late December because the mayoral election is also scheduled to be held in January,” he said.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Ruling MDP has announced that it will hold a primary to select its candidates for next year's parliamentary elections in late December.
The Elections Commission is working to hold the parliamentary elections in late March or early April.
The date of the primary is also being discussed among the MDP leadership.
"The intention is to hold the primary in early December or at the latest in January," MDP Deputy Chairman Ibrahim Waheed said when asked by Atoll Times on Monday.
The date will be fixed at a time when as many people as possible can vote, according to Ibrahim Waheed, who is also a minister of the President's Office.
“The intention is to hold it in late December because the mayoral election is also scheduled to be held in January,” he said.
Ibrahim Waheed added:
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"If a coalition is not formed" with another party by the primary, MDP will contest all seats
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Party members who are on the Elections Commission's register till the date of opening of nominations will be eligible to vote in the primary
As the MDP prepares for the parliamentary primary, the party's presidential and vice-presidential posts are also vacant. Ibrahim said the election for the two posts would be considered after the mayoral and parliamentary primaries.
According to the Elections Commission, six seats will be added with next year's parliamentary elections, pushing the total number of MPs from 87 to 93.
