Secretary General of PPM appointed from President Yameen’s faction, Dr Abdullah Khaleel speaks to reporters. PHOTO: NISHAN ALI/MIHAARU
The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s primary preceding the elections will be held within a point system, announced Dr Abdulla Khaleel, the Secretary General appointed by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s faction of the divided ruling party.
Speaking to the press after a council meeting held at their main activity hub at Dharubaaruge convention center, Khaleel stated that only the candidates that receive a certain amount of points and above will be eligible to take part in the primary.
“This mechanism is used in other parts of the world as well; it will be carried out at a good standard acceptable for the public,” said Khaleel.
“This would enable us to pick out the best candidates for the primary.” he added.
If more than one candidate apply for the same constituency, they should earn 75 points and above to compete in the primary.
“A register of people eligible to vote will be publicized before the primary. We will be working on it this week,” Khaleel said. He added that this register will be 90% accurate.