Voting has commenced in the primaries of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) for the forthcoming local council elections and Women’s Development Committees.

According to the party, applications have been opened for 97 per cent of seats and positions in the elections. Primaries are being held in constituencies where more candidates have submitted nominations than allocated seats, including several key areas such as city council seats and densely populated islands.

The PNC has confirmed it will field candidates in every island across the Maldives. Campaign Manager and Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah stated that the party’s objective is to become the first administration to secure a majority in the local council elections while in power.