An issue has surfaced with the west-henveiru council ballots after the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s primaries, held last Friday.

RaajjeMV understands that four out of the five candidates vying for the constituency have voiced against counting the ballots, vote rigging and electoral fraud accusations have also been pinned.

Supporters of the four candidates against counting the ballots, had tossed out the ballot papers when officials attempted to re-count them.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, north-henveiru MP Ibrahim Muizzu stated that officials were unable to re-count the ballots for the constituency as there had been a disagreement between officials the first time round.

Although candidates were invited to join in re-counting the ballots, dispute ensued.

MP Muizzu revealed that the party will reach a conclusion regarding the matter at a later date, after thorough discussions are held.

Four out of the five candidates who vied for west-henveiru council in the MDP primaries held on 31 January are male.

980 councilors are to be elected through the Local Council Elections, slated for 4 April 2020.

389 candidates were guaranteed party tickets to contest for the upcoming elections without primaries, said MDP.