MDA, MNP to join PPM-PNC parliamentary primary

The Progressive Congress Coalition (PPM-PNC) has announced that the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and Maldives National Party (MNP) will contest the ruling coalition's parliamentary primary.

On Thursday, the MDA and MNP, which supported the coalition in the second round of the presidential election, were given the opportunity to participate in the PPM-PNC parliamentary primary to be held on 23rd of this month.

With that, the MDA and MNP have also opened the door for candidates to contest the PPM-PNC primary.

According to the policy released by PPM-PNC on Thursday, both MDA and MP can contest in the primaries as per the policy released by the PPM-PNC on Thursday, but only members who are in the PPM-PNC register till Sunday will be allowed to vote in the primary.

When contacted by Atoll Times on Saturday, PPM-PNC spokesperson, Heena Waleed said:

The PPM-PNC said on 1st last month that the primary of the two parties was scheduled to be held on 20th of next month. Applications are open from 20 to 31 this month.

However, the PPM-PNC joint Senate meeting on Wednesday night decided to hold the primary on 23rd of this month. Applications will be open from Thursday to Monday.

Former President Abdullah Yameen has decided to expedite the primary dates as he is trying to form a new party. The two parties did not disclose the reason for the decision.

When asked about the reason, Heena said there was no specific reason and that the coalition wished to start the campaign as soon as possible.

"It was not because of any major reasons that the primary was expedited. But it was to complete the primary soon and give the candidates the opportunity to start their campaign soon and do a good campaign," Heena said.

In addition, she said, the decision was taken to expedite the primary as there were talks of holding elections before Ramadan.

“Then every primary will allow us the opportunity to resolve minor disputes between the contestants and we will also have the chance to work as a team,” Heena said, further elaborating on the reasons for the fast-track.

The conditions for contesting this year’s PPM-PNC primary have, too, been tightened. In addition to the requirements of being a  member of parliament, four other factors will be considered, the coalition announced. They are: