Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced its decision to allow Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof to run in its national congress elections.
The MDP Council of Appellate Judge made the decision with all members voting in favour. The council stated the initial decision to ban Minister Mahloof from running in the party's internal elections was unlawful.
Minister Mahloof has praised the MDP council for reversing the ban. He had previously filed an appeal to reverse his ban from MDP elections and also filed a complaint at the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM).
ECM has stated the decision of the MDP to ban Mahloof from internal elections was not in accordance with the Political Party Act or the regulations of MDP. As such, the ECM informed Mahloof and MDP that such a decision can only be made in line with the Political Party Act or by making the necessary amendments to the party's regulations.
Mahloof has announced he will be running for the position of president of the northern province in the MDP national congress elections. A total of 730 members have registered to run in the elections scheduled for September 25.
MDP is the main ruling party and the largest party in the Maldives with over 93,000 registered members.