Ruling coalition partner, Jumhooree Party (JP) is to contest in eight additional constituencies in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Party tickets were given to the eight candidates at a ceremony held on Sunday night; having previously given tickets to 36 individuals, the total now adds up to 44.

The new constituencies announced by the party are: Ihavandhoo, Milandhoo, Nolhivaram, Holhudhoo, Kinbidhoo, Madaveli, Naifaru and Addu-Meedhoo constituencies.

Speaking at the ceremony, leader Qasim Ibrahim said that they will be fielding more candidates in April's elections; the leader has the power to choose candidates. 

Despite being part of the ruling coalition, Jumhooree Party has decided to work with 'other parties' not in the coalition, for the parliamentary elections.

This was after main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chose to run in all constituencies in the elections. While MDP had last Thursday submitted candidacy papers of 86 candidates, the Elections Commission has since rejected 10.

According to JP, MDP's decision violates a coalition agreement regarding the parliamentary elections; to distribute seats between the four partners. MDP denies that such an agreement ever existed.

While it was recently reported that JP was in discussion to form a coalition with opposition Progressive Party of Maldives, the party has since denied this.