Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has temporarily halted the party's campaign for the upcoming local council and women's development committee over novel coronavirus (COVID19) fears.

Previously, the “Rahvehi Festival” by main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Women’s Wing was scheduled to be held until Saturday night. However, the event has since been called off.

MDP's chairperson Hassan Latheef confirmed to RaajjeMV that the campaign has officially been halted. MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed's trip to Laamu atoll on Sunday has also been cancelled alongside President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's trip to Fuvahmulah on the same day, revealed Latheef.

While the main ruling party has determined to shift their campaign over to social media, both the Jumhooree Party (JP) and opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) have also postponed their campaign activities.

Although the country has yet to confirm a COVID-19 case, a number of Maldivians and tourists suspected of having the infection have been placed under isolation and are undergoing diagnostic testing and monitoring.