Over 1146 have applied to contest in opposing Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s primary ahead of the local council election.
Speaking at a press conference held Monday, the party's chief spokesperson Heena Waleed said the party had received the application forms of 1146 individiuals when submissions closed on Friday.
Heena said the PPM primary will be conducted at all four cities of the country, being capital Male' City, southernmost Addu City, Fuvahmulah City and recently designated city Kulhudhuffushi. Voting for the primary will also take place in 51 islands across 14 atolls, said PPM.
Heena said the application forms are being reviewed by the party's legal team, and that all application forms of ineligible candidates, as well as those that cannot be verified will be disqualified. The total number of candidates who will be contesting in the election can be confirmed after the completion of the process, said Heena.
Heena added that the required number of votes must be given when voting in the primary, and said that any ballots that have more or less than the required amount of ticks will be invalid.
While requests have been made to block some venues to conduct the primary, this includes convention centre Dharubaaruge, revealed Heena. However, the final locations will be announced upon confirmation, she said.
The PPM primary is slated for February 7. The party said a ceremony will be held at the party office next Wednesday night to draw lots to assign candidate numbers.
983 officials will be elected to local councils in the council election slated for April 4. While 370 seats have been reserved for women, 930 members will be elected to Women's Development Committees on the same day.
