Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s primary election for the upcoming parliamentary elections will be held from 2:30 to 8:30pm on Friday, the party has said.

While MDP had announced that 280 contestants will be contesting in its primary, its vice president Mohamed Shifaz at a press conference on Wednesday said that 279 are contesting now as one individual has withdrawn from the race.

Noting that the election will be held at a "national level," Shifaz said that the party will be placing a total of 270 ballot boxes across the country.

MDP further said that 86,091 individuals are eligible to vote in its primaries; one must be signed to a party to compete in its internal elections.

According to MDP, senior officials from the party will be stationed at the ballot boxes to ensure a 'free, fair and transparent' internal election. In addition, there will be monitors and observers present at the ballot boxes as well.

The party will not be holding primaries for Hoarafushi, Baarah, Dhidhdhoo, Milandhoo, Alifushi, Mahibadhoo, North Fuvahmulah, North Galolhu, and North Maafannu constituencies; as only one candidate had applied for each of these areas.

MDP had initially decided to compete in all 87 constituencies, it will be competing in 86 as there were no applications for Nilandhoo constituencies.

While the parliamentary elections are to be held on April 6, the Elections Commission has informed all political parties to hold their primaries before January 26.