Elections Commission of Maldives has revealed party primaries for the upcoming parliamentary elections should be held before January 26.
Addressing a press conference, President of Elections Commission Ahmed Shareef said the only party which is preparing to hold a primary election is Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). However, Shareef said submission for parliamentary elections will be opened on January 28, adding therefore, the party primaries must be concluded before January 26.
If a candidate loses in the primary, the person cannot compete in the elections in any form. Shareef stated the commission is closely monitoring if all individuals follow the aforementioned rule.
Moreover, the head of the electoral body assured the final voters list will be published, in accordance with the deadline given in the constitution. He went on to note re-registration will only be opened for those seeking to register in a different location than the location registered to vote in the presidential election.
The voters list will be published on January 20 and the re-registration for the parliamentary elections will be opened on January 23, according to the Elections Commission.