Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has revealed the upcoming parliamentary elections will be contested by 389 candidates.
While ECM has finalised the number of candidates and the candidate numbers, 31 women and 358 men are running for 87 seats. Meanwhile, 175 candidates are contesting individually, according to electoral body.
While 407 candidature forms were submitted, the total number dropped to 389 candidates due to the rejection of forms and withdrawal of candidacy. The most number of candidates are contesting from the main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), with 86 candidates.
Meanwhile, 41 candidates from Jumhooree Party and 9 candidates from Adhaalath Party will contest in the elections. While, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) are fielding 26 contestants, People’s National Congress (PNC) fielding 23 candidates and Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) are fielding 5 contestants.
Moreover, Maldivian Development Alliance (MDA) is competing for 8 constituencies, Maldives Third-Way Democrats (MTD) for 10 constituencies and Maldives Labour and Social Democratic Party (MLSDP) for 9 constituencies.
The parliamentary elections is scheduled to be held on April 6.