The main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Maldives National Party (MDP) will contest the Guraidhoo by-election for the Guraidhoo Parliament seat.
The Guraidhoo seat became vacant with the death of MP Ibrahim Riza on February 23. He passed away in Malaysia while being treated for an intestinal ailment. According to Article 79 of the Constitution, a vacant Parliament seat must be filled within 60 days from the date the seat becomes vacant. Therefore, the Elections Commission has scheduled to hold the Guraidhoo by-election on April 15.
The MDP has opened candidacy to contest its primary to determine the party's candidate for the by-election. According to MDP, four individuals have submitted applications to contest the primary. The primary will be held on April 11.
Meanwhile, MNP has opened applications for those who wish to contest the party's by-election for the party's ticket until March 7. If a primary is required, it would be held on April 10, MNP said.
Although Riza was a member of the opposing Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), the party has not made a comment regarding the upcoming by-election thus far.
