Habeeb: Parties must ensure candidates for parliamentary election are eligible ahead of time

Elections Commission (EC)’s Vice Chairperson Ismail Habeeb states political parties must ensure the candidates they submit for the parliamentary elections meet the eligibility criteria ahead of time.

While parties have commenced preparations for the parliamentary elections slated for next year – Habeeb, in a post on X on Thursday, underscored the importance of political parties checking whether their candidates are eligible individuals ahead of time.

In this regard, Habeeb said it must be clear that the candidate, if he or she has proven debt, is compliant with the payments in accordance with the judgment.

He also cited ensuring the eligibility as a responsibility of individuals who are contesting the election independently.

The term of the current parliamentary assembly expires on May 28.

The law dictates that the EC must initiate the process of holding the elections 120 days before the current parliamentary term expires.

This means next year’s elections must be held on March 19 – which falls within the holy month of Ramadan.

Discussions are underway on the possibility of holding the election after Ramadan.

Political parties are already gearing up to hold primaries to elect candidates who will contest the primary election on their ticket.