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MTD to contest in Komandoo by-election

A candidate from Maldives Third-way Democrats (MTD) will be contesting in the Komandoo by-election.

The Komandoo seat became vacant following the death of MP Hussain Waheed, who passed away on December 14. The Elections Commission has scheduled the by-election for the constituency for February 5, 2022, and has opened submission for candidates until December 30, 2021.

A senior official from MTD said the party would put forward a candidate for the by-election and that party members may express interest in candidacy before December 27.

MTD was founded by former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor.

The main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), opposing Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), and newly founded Maldives National Party (MNP) have finalized candidates who will be contesting in the by-election.

MDP granted their ticket to Mohamed Rashid, the Secretary-General of Foakaidhoo Council. He was the council's president for the last three consecutive terms.

MNP's ticket was awarded to Komandoo-born Abdul Hannan Idris. He was the only member who expressed interest in running for the seat from MNP. Hannan is among the first members who signed up for the party. After working for many years in the education sector, he now runs his own business.

In the by-election, PPM will be represented by former Deputy Minister of Home Ministry Moosa Fathuhee. According to PPM, Fathuhee is the only person who applied to contest in the party primary.