Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has stated that the party will expel members that contest the upcoming local council elections as independent candidates.

According to MDP's announcement, the party's disciplinary committee - on Thursday - has determined to expel members who contest the upcoming local council elections as independent candidates, including members that switched to contest as independent candidates after losing the party's primaries.

MDP states that the committee came to the decision after reviewing complaints of members violating party lines.

They further add that the same action will be taken against members who contest against the party in the women's development committee elections as well.