The opposing PPM-PNC coalition has decided to award its ticket for the Guraidhoo by-election to former MP Ibrahim Riza's brother Hussain Riza.
The Parliament's Guraidhoo seat became vacant with the death of PPM MP Ibrahim Riza on February 22. Riza passed away while being treated for an intestinal ailment in Malaysia. 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.
When PPM opened the opportunity to apply for the party's ticket to contest the by-election, Riza's brother, Hussain Riza, was the only candidate to apply for the ticket. Therefore, he attained the ticket by default without going through a primary.
Meanwhile, Maldives National Party (MNP) will award the party's ticket to Ali Arif. Ali Arif also attained the ticket without a primary.
The main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will also contest the Guraidhoo seat. While four candidates have applied to contest the primary, the party will hold its primary next Saturday.
