The Democrats have announced that the party will be holding their Presidential Primary on 28 July, 2023.

According to the Democrats, Ilyas Labeeb, member of parliament for Hulhudhoo constituency, is the only one who has submitted an application to run in the primary.

The deadline for applications expired at 4:00 pm on Saturday. Ilyas submitted his forms at the Democrats' office at 1:00 pm on Saturday.

The party's rules stipulates that members must cast a yes or no vote if just one candidate is running for the presidential primary. If the candidate receives 10 percent of the votes of the members, he or she must be declared the presidential candidate.

The voting for the primary will take place from 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm on Friday.

Former President Mohammed Nasheed had been anticipated to run for president on the Democrats ticket, but following the opposition meeting, Nasheed informed reporters he had no interest in running.

Elections Commission (EC) has opened application for the upcoming 2023 Presidential Election slated for 09 September. The application period for candidates running for president will be open from 9:00 am 23rd July 2023 until 2:00 pm, 07th August 2023.