MDP reschedules primary to January 16 as EC adjusts nomination period

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has postponed its primary for the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections to the 16th of next month.

The party had initially scheduled the primary for the 30th of next month. However, in an announcement on Sunday, MDP said the date had been revised.

According to the party, the Election Commission (EC) will open nomination forms for a period of 14 to 17 days next month. As a result, the previously announced primary timeline has been cancelled.

MDP said a new timeline will be announced after the EC issues its permanent report. The primary is now set to take place on the 16th from 14:30 to 20:00 hrs.

Members contesting the primary are required to complete a special training programme conducted by the MDP Academy.

The requirement stems from a decision made at the party’s National Assembly on July 2, where members reviewed the report of the Local Council Election Committee (LCE) sub‑committee. The report outlines criteria for selecting candidates for the MDP primary.

According to the report, all candidates must participate in an online training programme run by the party’s academy. The programme is designed for members contesting seats in local councils, women’s development committees, and city councils.