Voting for the internal election to determine the candidates representing the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the upcoming Local Council Elections and Women’s Development Committee elections began this afternoon. The party has stated that the voting, which commenced at 2:30 PM today, will proceed until 8:00 PM tonight.

While voting is currently underway in the Greater Male’ area and various islands across the atolls, ballot boxes have been stationed in schools. Voting centers in Male’ include Majeediyya School, Iskandhar School, Hiriya School, and Galolhu School. Furthermore, voting arrangements have been made at Ghazi School and Kamil Didi School for members residing in Hulhumale’, while the ballot box in Vilimale’ is located at Muhyiddin School.

According to the list released by MDP, a total of 152 candidates are competing in this primary. This includes individuals vying for party tickets for Island Council Presidencies and memberships, as well as those seeking seats on Women’s Development Committees.

The opportunity to hold this election within schools follows a positive shift in the government’s policy regarding the use of schools for political activities. While there were previously significant restrictions on releasing schools for political party events, the current government has paved the way for all political parties to use schools on an equal basis during weekends, provided it does not disrupt education.