21 March 2014, Male'; Campaigning has ended at 1800 hrs today for the Parliamentary Elections in the Maldives. The campaigning, which formally began in February this year, has been extremely competitive, and yet, peaceful with no major incidents reported.
All major political parties, including the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the Jumuhooree Party (JP), and Adhaalath Party have fielded candidates in the elections. A total of 302 candidates, including 114 independents, are contesting for the 85 seats in the Parliament.
Under the Constitution of the Maldives, holding of elections is the responsibility of the Elections Commission (EC), which is an independent State body. The Elections Commission consists of five members approved by the Parliament. The Commission currently has three members, which is the minimum required number to make decisions at the Commission.