President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated MDP will not use a campaigning opportunity that is not available for the opposition and rival parties for the upcoming local council elections.
Speaking at a press conference, the MDP President expressed full confidence in winning the local council elections, stating the upcoming elections will be the third consecutive election in which MDP will triumph over rival parties. Highlighting the success achieved during the 2018 presidential election and the 2019 parliamentary election, Nasheed said MDP is confident that the party will continue its success in the upcoming local council elections. However, he said MDP will not utilise an opportunity that is not available to rival parties in campaigning for the election, adding the government will ensure equal opportunities are provided to all parties.
Nasheed further said MDP is ready to campaign for the election in accordance to the guidelines set by Health Protection Agency (HPA). He said the party’s representatives will be dispatched to all islands for the campaign, adding the representatives will have to undergo quarantine as per the guidelines. He said although the campaign will be difficult, MDP will carry out its campaign as planned.
The delayed local council elections are scheduled to be held on April 10. Opposition parties have expressed concern over the lack of opportunities to campaign, due to restrictions set by HPA guidelines. However, Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has stated all parties and candidates will have equal opportunities to campaign for the election as per the guidelines.