Recent amendments to the Presidential Election Act have provided an extended period of 14 days for those interested in contesting the election to submit their candidacy papers.
According to the presidential election timeline previously publicized by the Elections Commission (EC), the window for candidacy was scheduled to be open from July 23 to August 4.
However, the government's proposal for the amendment of Article 5(d) of the Presidential Election Act was passed by the Parliament on July 19 and ratified by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on July 21. As a result of the amendment, candidates can now submit their candidacy papers from July 23 to August 7, effectively extending the nomination period by four days.
The Deputy President of the EC, Hussain Habeeb, said Saturday the change in the deadline for accepting candidates' forms would not impact the sorting of candidates' names for the ballot paper.
"The commission fixed the key dates for the presidential election in view of possible changes to the law. The draw for ballot placement will be held on Wednesday, August 9, allowing a 30-day campaign period," explained Habeeb.
The presidential election will be held on September 9 this year. If a second round is required, the vote will be held on September 30.
The main-ruling MDP has handed over its presidential tickets to its leader, President Solih. Meanwhile, coalition partner Jumhooree Party has decided to contest the election separately and has named its President, Qasim Ibrahim as its presidential candidate. The Maldives National Party (MNP) will put forward its President Mohamed Nazim as its candidate, while the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has handed over its ticket to their leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayyoom. However, Yameen is currently ineligible to contest the election due to a conviction and can only participate if a higher court overturns the lower court's sentence.
Additionally, former Home Minister Umar Naseer and former Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munawwar have also said they would contest the election.
