Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has banned all individuals who were involved at any level in the corruption scandal of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) from contesting in any of the internal elections of the party.
The decision was passed during a meeting conducted by the national steering committee of MDP to establish the requirements of individuals contesting in the party’s internal elections. The meeting was attended by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the President of MDP Mohamed Nasheed.
The proposal to ban individuals who are suspected of receiving benefits or being involved in the MMPRC scandal was submitted by Parliamentarian Ibrahim Rasheed. The proposal was passed with votes from 68 members present at the committee.
Furthermore, MDP has also banned individuals named in any of the lists publicised by the Presidential Commission on the Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances (DDCom), in relation to any murders. Individuals accused of rape and pedophilia are also banned from contesting in the party’s elections.
MDP has also passed the decision not to allow individuals to contest in the party’s internal elections if they have not completed one year as a member of the party. Candidates contesting to become presidents of the party’s constituencies are required to gather signatures of 50 MDP members from the respective constituency in order to contest in the election.
MDP is set to conduct its internal elections on April 29. The party stated only members registered at the party by April 18 will be able to vote in the election.