The main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has hoisted its flags in all inhabited islands as part of preparations to launch the presidential campaign.
Over 400 officials travelled to the atolls to prepare for the campaign with over 1,000 participants. MDP stated they will be putting up posters and gathering information to draft the manifesto before launching the campaign for President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih next month. As such, teams will make door-to-door visits to households to collect information and identify what the government can do to improve the country and to identify the opinion of the public.
MDP stated that it began preparing for the presidential election much earlier and is implementing its long-term plan to win the election. The party also stated that its pledges to meet the expectation of citizens and that its future policies and manifesto will reflect the opinions and wishes of the people.
The presidential election will be held on September 9. The individuals who have announced their intention to run in the election include President Solih, who won the MDP primary election, and the candidate of the main opposition coalition former President Abdulla Yameen, who is serving an 11-year prison sentence over corruption and money laundering. He will receive the opportunity to run in the election if he wins the appeal case.
Additionally, Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) Qasim Ibrahim and President of the Maldives National Party (MNP) Mohamed Nazim have received their party tickets while former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer and former Attorney General (AG) Dr. Mohamed Munawar have also announced their intention to run in the election.