The main ruling party of the government coalition, Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has revealed 280 individuals have submitted documents to compete in its parliamentary primaries.
MDP except for one constituency, interested candidates have applied to contest for all the constituencies. While no candidates expressed interest for Nilandhoo Constituency in Faafu Atoll, MDP said primaries will be held for constituencies with more than one interested candidate. MDP noted 9 constituencies have one interested candidate and therefore, primaries will be held for a total of 77 constituencies.
The 280 individuals include 259 male and 21 female candidates, according to MDP. A total of 9 individuals expressed interest for Villimale' constituency, which is the most number of candidates expressing interest for one constituency.
Elections Commission of Maldives has announced the parliamentary elections will be held on April 6.