Jabir submits application to run for Kaashidhoo constituency

Abdulla Jabir has submitted his candidacy application to run for the Kaashidhoo constituency in the upcoming parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.

Jabir confirms he submitted his application to the Elections Commission this Thursday morning.

Jabir had suffered defeat during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary for the elections, and was one of the three people who successfully petitioned at the Supreme Court to annul Article 10 of Political Parties Act which disqualified candidates defeated in party primaries from contesting in national elections.

The Supreme Court, along with its annulment of the article of law, ordered EC to re-open candidacy application solely to allow candidates defeated in primaries to contest in the parliamentary elections if they wished.

Jabir’s application comes amid warning by MDP of penalties if any of its members who were defeated in primaries chose to contest in the elections as independent candidates.

Jabir has dismissed the warning, commenting that MDP had no grounds to issue penalties for exercising a constitutional right.

Jabir, who serves as Special Envoy to President, has served as representative for Kaashidhoo constituency and G. A. Atoll constituency in the past. He was also a representative at the Special Parliament which established the new Maldivian Constitution.