MDP mandates training program to contest in party’s primary

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) states members of the party contesting its primary will be mandated to complete a training conducted by the party’s academy.

Earlier, the party’s Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail had announced its decision to establish an academy and implement programs.

MDP’s national council debated on a report put forth by its Local Council Election Committee (LCE Committee). The Committee was established three months ago to formulate policies on electing candidates contesting MDP’s local council election primary.

According to the report, all members contesting the party’s primary will be mandated to complete an online training program conducted by the party’s academy. The program is specific for members of the party contesting for local council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) seats.

The training will cover topics ranging from the party’s philosophy and principles to the decentralization system. It is not mandatory for incumbent councilors and WDC members contesting for a second term to complete the program.

“I do not believe many will participate in the program if it is not made mandatory. We have arranged the program to take place on a monthly basis. I mean the online programs. I do not believe an individual who did not participate in the program will participate in it just because they won the primary,” MDP’s chairperson Fayyaz expressed.

As recommended in the LCE report, MDP will also be allocating 33 percent of slots in the party’s local council election primary for youths between the ages of 18 to 35. Another 33 percent of slots will be allocated for women.

Speaking regarding the Committee’s report, former Dhaandhoo MP Yaugoob Abdulla said the primary for the slots allocated for youths will be held separately, adding that those who wish to contest for these seats must notify the party beforehand.

MDP will open candidacy applications for the local council election primary on September 1st, with the submission deadline set for September 15th. Applicants are required to submit a police clearance report.

The initial list of candidates will be released on September 16th. A vetting process will follow from September 16th to October 15th, after which a final list of eligible candidates will be published. At the same time, the party will also release a list of candidates who have not completed the required training program.

The deadline to complete the training program is November 15th.