MDP selects candidate, DRP seeks court order to stop Thulhaadhoo by-election

The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) selected a candidate yesterday to contest in the upcoming by-election in Baa Atoll Thulhaadhoo while the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) is seeking a court order against the Elections Commission (EC).

Ahmed Afrah, of Thulhaadhoo Aaru, won yesterday’s primary with 101 votes. The primary was held concurrently at the MDP ‘Haruge’ in Male’ and Thulhaadhoo from 2pm to 6pm. Losing candidate Mohamed Thaureef meanwhile received 74 votes.

The DRP contends that its councillor was dismissed unfairly and in violation of the Decentralisation Act.

The EC however insists that the law obliges the commission to call a by-election within 45 days once a council seat became vacant.