Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has revealed that 389 candidates have been guaranteed party tickets to contest for the upcoming Local Council Elections, without running for the primaries.

During a press conference on Monday, the party revealed that a total of 1,279 applications were submitted by the given deadline. As such, MDP Electoral Committee’s Chairperson and north-Henveiru MP Ibrahim Muizzu revealed that voting of the primaries will be held in 93 islands out of 109.

Further, he added that 381 out of the 389 who had tickets guaranteed to them, are running for island councils.

Out of atoll councils, Haa Alif and Faafu atoll councils’ presidency has also been guaranteed to two.

Other constituencies include west-Fuvahmulah, west-Maafannu in capital city Malé, north-west- Maafannu, central-Maafannu, west-Galolhu and north-Henveiru constituency.

In addition, the party revealed that they had not received applications to contest for councils of Olhuvelifushi in Lhaviyani atoll and Meedhoo island in Raa atoll.

Also at the press conference, MDP Vice Chairperson and MP Ali Niyaz revealed that the party aims to feature candidates for all constituencies through primaries. As such, the party will be allocating candidates after relevant discussions.

980 candidates are to contest for the Local Council Elections, slated for 4 April 2020.

The women’s development committee elections are also to be held the same day, and the main ruling party is set to hold primaries on 7 February.