Elections Commission has announced 395 candidates would contest the upcoming parliamentary elections. The electoral body revealed, 403 applications were received when the deadline for application came to a close on February 21.
Addressing a press conference, President of Elections Commission Ahmed Shareef said 8 applications were rejected due to various reasons. 35 female candidates and 360 male candidates are contesting the parliament this year, according to the commission.
While the main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is contesting for 86 seats, coalition partners, Jumhooree Party and Adhaalath Party, are contesting for 41 and 9 seats respectively.
Meanwhile, the main opposition party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) is contesting for 26 seats while newly formed People’s National Congress (PNC) is contesting 23 seats. Dhivehi Rayyithuge Party (DRP) will be contesting for 5 seats.
Furthermore, Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and Maldives Third-way Democrats (MTD) are fielding candidates for 8 and 10 constituencies respectively, while Maldives Labour and Social Democratic Party is fielding 9 candidates. The number of independents contesting in the elections stands at 186.
Ahmed Shareef revealed candidate numbers would be issued on February 27, while opportunity to become representatives of candidates will be opened from February 28 to March 7.
Elections Commission has decided to place 507 ballot boxes, including 59 ballot boxes for 15 constituencies of Male', 82 ballot boxes for people originating from other islands registered to vote in Male 'city, with a further 39 ballot boxes are to be kept in resorts, 4 at industrial areas, 5 in jails and 12 abroad. A maximum of 1000 votes can be cast in each ballot box.
Furthermore, Shareef noted the difficulty in finding elections officials. The commission has therefore requested assistance from government offices and companies. Shareef assured if the requirement is not met, the commission will use the discretion granted regarding elections officials.