Ilyas sole contender for Democrats presidential ticket

Newly formed political party The Democrats have revealed on Saturday that the MP for Hulhudhoo Ilyas Labeeb was the sole contender to submit their name for the party’s primary for the presidential ticket. 

The party opened applications on Thursday, with a deadline set for Saturday 1600 hrs. MP Ilyas put forth his name on Saturday. There have been no additional submissions, including former President Mohamed Nasheed, who was widely rumored to be the party’s candidate for the Presidential Elections set in September. 

Party regulations dictate that even if a single candidate submits their name, there still needs to be a vote taken, and must secure at least ten percent of the votes. The party stated that further details regarding this would be released at a later date. 

As per sources, Ilyas is the candidate endorsed by Nasheed. He has been vocal opposition parties rallying behind a common candidate in order to prevent the re-election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for another term.