MDP Primary: 259 men, 21 women

259 men and 21 women are contending in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Primary for Parliamentary Elections 2019.

Deputy General-Secretary of MDP, Afshan Latheef reports the primary by the main government party, MDP, will have 280 contenders; 259 men and 21 women.

Afshan says the most number of contenders are for the Vilimale’ constituency with nine contenders competing for the MDP ticket, while F. Nilandhoo has no contenders.

Primaries will not be held for the following constituencies due to only one contender applying for the ticket for each constituency:

• Dhidhdhoo constituency
• Hoarafushi constituency
• Baarah constituency
• Milandhoo constituency
• Alifushi constituency
• Mahibadhoo constituency
• North Fuvahmulah constituency
• North Galolhu constituency
• North Maafannu constituency

The party is preparing to hold its primaries on January 18.

Parliamentary Elections 2019 is scheduled to be held on April 6, 2019.

The next Parliament will have 87 seats, with the two additional electoral districts; Central Machangolhi and West Henveyru.