Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) have revealed commitment to compete for 46 constituencies in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Speaking to PSM News, Secretary General of PNC Mohamed Tholal stated some constituencies were dropped not because a coalition was established with another political party. PPM-PNC coalition has dropped several constituencies and taken back party tickets granted to some contestants. PPM-PNC decided to run for 46 seats altogether, excluding the seats omitted, according to Tholal.
Furthermore, Tholal said the candidacy forms will be submitted to Elections Commission as soon as the candidates are finalised, adding so far about 25 candidacy forms have been submitted. He expressed the number of constituencies might still be changed, however, no primary elections will be held.
It has been reported former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has decided to endorse some candidates fielded by Jumhooree Party (JP), after dropping off from some constituencies previously contested by candidates from PPM-PNC. However, both JP and PPM-PNC have denied a coalition has been formed.