Ilyas Labeeb has secured The Democrats' presidential ticket with 94% approval in the primary election.
Ilyas was the only member to contest in the primary election. The Democrats' regulations state that if only one candidate submits a form to contest in the primary election, he will receive the ticket if he secures at least 10% of the votes cast in the primary election.
A total of 3,208 of the 4,100 registered members voted in the primary election held on July 28. Out of which 3,041 voters approved of awarding Ilyas the party's ticket while 153 disapproved. The Democrats provided the opportunity for individuals to register to the party right before casting their vote in the primary election. Members also had the opportunity to cast their vote online.
The Democrats was formed by supporters of Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed after leaving main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The Democrats have recently made an agreement with Jumhooree Party (JP) and Maldives National Party (MNP) to field a single candidate for the presidential election.