The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has announced that it will not arrange for people registered in islands, but living in Male' to vote in the upcoming local council primary.

Speaking at a press conference held at the party office, Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah, who is also the party's campaign manager, said voters can only cast their ballot in the registered island.

He said the arrangement was made to ensure the validity of the votes and for administrative convenience. He claimed that some voters cast their ballot in the registered island and voted again in Male' in past elections.

However, a lot of people registered in the islands live and work in Male'. In the past, they have been allowed to vote in Male' during party primaries. The PNC's decision will deprive them of their rights.

Falah announced that the primary will be held on December 27. Those who are members of the party by December 15 will have the opportunity to vote in the primary.

Speaking at the press conference today, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said the PNC primary would be the largest ever held in the Maldives, with about 1,400 candidates.

A special portal will be opened for candidates to submit applications starting December 1.