8 candidates running for president this year

The nominations for the 2023 Presidential Election have been submitted by eight candidates.

The Elections Commission (EC) opened application for the upcoming 2023 Presidential Election, on 23rd July 2023. The window for application closed on 02:00pm, 07th August 2023.

This year's presidential election will be seeing five candidates from major political parties and three independent candidates running for President. This is the highest number of candidates since the first multi-party presidential election, held under the current Constitution of the Maldives.

The first multi-party presidential election held in 2008 saw six candidates running for president.

The Elections Commission has stated that the commission will be holding the event to determine the candidate numbers of the presidential election on Wednesday. The event will be held at the Elections Center, Dharubaaruge, Rannabandeyri Maalam at 04:30pm.

The candidate numbers will be determined by drawing lots.

Candidates are requested to arrive at the venue at the stipulated time. If the candidate is unable to attend, a letter from the candidate must be submitted to the Commission stating who will be attending on their behalf.

If the candidate or a substitute is not present, the Election Commission shall draw lots on behalf of the candidate.

The 2023 Presidential Election is slated for 09 September. The election voting period is set to run from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.

EC has disclosed that a total of 604 ballot boxes will be stationed across the Maldives and abroad for the Presidential Election.

A total of 282,755 people are eligible to vote in the election.