President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that the Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress (PPM/PNC) coalition will secure a super majority, winning at least 62 seats in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for March 17.
He made these remarks in response to questions from the media while observing the voting process in the PPM/PNC primaries to determine candidates for the elections.
"God willing, we will win a super majority in the parliamentary elections and secure at least 62 seats with the public's support," President Muizzu said.
President Muizzu said this administration is working for the welfare of the people and prioritizing the rights of the people. Therefore, as the people's needs are being met, the people's confidence will be maintained, he said.
"We have sincerity in our hearts, the intention to serve the people with sincerity. I believe the people will accept that. That is why we say that we will win at least 62 seats," President Muizzu said.
The President said that although the primary election was very competitive today, he hoped that everyone would stand united after the elections. President Muizzu said he believed the losing candidates will support the winning candidates in the interest of the party and the nation.
Although there was unrest in some of the polling stations, things had settled down, and voting is going on peacefully, President Muizzu said. He said that the primaries were conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and highlighted that change to the voters' list is not something that will happen within the PPM/PNC.
However, the President said that any complaints submitted by any party will be looked into thoroughly.
Voting for the coalition's primaries to determine candidates for the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 17 began at 10:00 hrs today.
PPM said that voting will be conducted for 73 constituencies with 283 candidates competing. The voting will be held from 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs.
Eligible voters come up to a total of 71,597.
According to PPM, ballot boxes for those voting in Male' City for island constituencies will be placed at the Henveiru Stadium.
For Male' persons voting in these primaries, the party said vote boxes will be located at Kalaafaanu School, Jamaluddeen School, Thaajuddeen School, Villimale' Youth Centre, Kamil Didi School and Rehendhi School.
In the islands, ballot boxes are placed in locations agreed upon by the candidates.
Thirteen candidates have already had their tickets confirmed without a need to participate in the primaries as they were the sole contestants in their respective constituencies.
PNC has also decided not to contest in the Maamigili constituency, where Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim is running, the North Maafannu constituency, where Maldives National Party (MNP) leader Mohamed Nazim is contesting, and the Meedhoo constituency, where Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) leader Ahmed Siyam is contesting.
Polling begins for PPM/PNC parliamentary primaries
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