The ruling People’s National Congress has opened applications for members seeking to contest the North Hithadhoo constituency by-election on the party’s ticket, with submissions accepted until 6:00 p.m. on April 19.

The party stated that applications must be submitted through its official website, along with all required documents, including criminal and debt records, in accordance with procedures set by the Elections Commission of Maldives. Candidates are also required to meet all legal criteria stipulated for parliamentary elections, while being registered members of the party or having applied for membership through the Commission’s process.

According to the PNC, if more than one eligible candidate applies, a primary election will be held on April 25 to determine the party’s candidate. Voting in the primary will be open to party members registered with the Elections Commission, as well as those who applied for membership before April 13, with the list of eligible voters to be published on April 20.

The by-election for the North Hithadhoo constituency is scheduled for June 6, following a ruling by the Supreme Court that the seat had been vacated. The Elections Commission has also opened candidacy submissions for the by-election, with the deadline set for 3:00 p.m. on April 29.