Five candidates have withdrawn from the Local Council Elections 2020.
The Elections Commission (EC) revealed this on Tuesday.
Those that withdrew their candidacy include individuals competing on main ruling party and opposition tickets, as well as two that were running independently. Individuals that withdrew candidacy are;
- Independent candidate Abdul Majeed Mahir, running for Maavah Council president
- Independent candidate Fathmath Saaiga Khalid, running for one of the seats reserved for women in Kondey council,
- Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Hassan Nafiu, running for Bodofolhudhoo council,
- Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Mohamed Rasheed running for Maalhendhoo Council, and
- Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Nasfa Mohamed Saeed, running for one of the seats reserved for women in Maroshi council
EC granted opportunity to withdraw from the now-delayed Local Council Election and Women’s Development Elections, on June 23.
While the elections were scheduled to be held this April, it was delayed indefinitely following the pandemic.
While the delay threatened a legal vacuum as the terms of existing councilors were to expire on June 3, the People’s Majlis has passed an amendment to the Constitution, to allow them to retain their posts until an election is held and new councilors take oath.
