The main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s primary to determine its candidate for the upcoming Guraidhoo by-election is ongoing.
The Parliament's Guraidhoo seat became vacant on February 22 with the death of MP Ibrahim Riza, who passed away while seeking treatment 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.
Four candidates are contesting for the party ticket in MDP's Primary. They are Ibrahim Shaz, Abdulla Saeed, Mohamed Musthafa, and Salman Rasheed. Ballot boxes have been placed in all islands of the Guriadhoo constituency, which are Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi. Voting will end at 5 pm.
Meanwhile, the opposing Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) has awarded its ticket to Riza's brother, Hussain Riza, while MNP has awarded its ticket to Ali Arif. MTD has also said the party would contest the by-election.
