Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has annulled the candidacy of three candidates who contested in the party's primary for the West Henveiru seat of Male' City Council.
In a statement, MDP said the candidates Ahmed Asim, Ibrahim Manik and Mohamed Fishawin Saleem who contested in the primary for West Henveiru ahead of the upcoming local council elections, created discord in the party office by seizing the ballot box and dumping the ballot papers on to the streets. MDP said the actions of the three candidates violated the rights of other candidates contesting in the primary and indicated behavior which is unacceptable from a candidate looking to represent the party in a major election.Therefore, MDP announced the candidacy of the three candidates have been annulled, with the ticket for West Henveiru awarded to the remaining candidate, Aishath Moosa.
During the primary held on Jamuary 31, Aishath Moosa and Ahmed Asim were tied at first place on the initial count, leading to a decision by the party to recount the votes. However, the recount was obstructed by the discord created by the three candidates which led to the annulment of their candidacies.
MDP said the disciplinary committee of the party will conduct an investigation against those involved in the discord.