Ali Ahmed withdraws candidacy following a request from MDP

Ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s candidate for Mahibadhoo constituency in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Ali Ahmed, has withdrawn his candidacy following a request from the party.

His campaign agent, Mohamed Javeez confirmed this to RaajjeMV, adding that the Elections Commission (EC) has been informed of the decision as well.

Javeez added that Ahmed made the decision to withdraw “after discussions with the party leadership.”

While MDP’s candidates for April’s election were elected through an internal election, he added that following Ahmed’s decision, the leadership will choose a candidate for the constituency.

There are now four candidates vying for Mahibadhoo constituency; current MP Ahmed ‘Tom’ Thoriq, Adhaalath’s Ali Azim and two independent candidates.

Reports indicate that Ahmed was asked to withdraw candidacy so MDP could back coalition partner, Adhaalath Party’s candidate in the constituency.

While the current ruling coalition comprises of four parties, one of them- Jumhooree Party (JP)- has decided to work with the opposition coalition following MDP’s decision to contest for all 87 constituencies in the parliamentary elections.

JP claims that MDP’s decision violates a coalition agreement to distribute seats amongst them in the parliamentary election, which MDP has denied.

Adhaalath Party had, in early February, requested MDP to give up five constituencies for the party.

While Mahibadhoo is among the five, MDP’s candidates had previously voiced against relinquishing tickets.