The Democrats has revealed that Ilyas Labeeb is the only member to submit his form to contest in the primary election. The opportunity to submit candidacy forms has now been closed.
The Democrats' regulations state that if only one candidate submits a form to contest in the primary election, he will receive the ticket through a secret ballot among the party members. According to the regulations, the candidate must receive at least 10 percent of the votes cast to secure the ticket to contest in the presidential election. However, the party has not yet announced a date for the vote.
The Democrats was formed by supporters of Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed after leaving main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The Democrats have also recently made an agreement with Jumhooree Party (JP) and Maldives National Party (MNP) to field a single candidate for the presidential election.
The presidential election will be held on September 9. The individuals who have announced their intention to run in the election include President Ibrahim Mohamed 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 JP Qasim Ibrahim and President of MNP Mohamed Nazim have received their party tickets while former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer and former Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munawar have also announced their intention to run in the election.