Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has accepted the forms of all presidential candidates.
The upcoming presidential election marks a significant milestone as it witnesses the largest number of candidates vying for the presidency since the inception of the multi-party system. Eight candidates are contesting the 2023 presidential election, including five party candidates and three independent candidates.
The candidates include President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the candidate of main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and Mayor of Male' City Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the candidate of the main opposition coalition. They also include the Leader of the Jumhooree Party (JP) Qasim Ibrahim, President of the Maldives National Party (MNP) Mohamed Nazim, and Parliamentarian Ilyas Labeeb, who is the candidate of The Democrats. The independent candidates are Faris Maumoon, Umar Naseer, and Hassan Zameel.
A total of 282,395 voters are eligible to participate in the presidential election, scheduled for September 9. ECM will be placing over 580 ballot boxes, including 65 in resorts and five abroad. As such, polling stations will be established in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, United Kingdom (UK), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).