Prior to the elections, talks about forming an opposition alliance were held between the Maldives Democratic Party, the Jumhooree Party, the Adhaalath Party and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, with a proposed agreement that the MDP would contest 40% of constituencies, the JP 25%, Gayoom supporters 20% and the AP 15%. However, the MDP opted to contest the elections alone after rejecting their proposed seat distribution as being too low. In December 2018 the PPM announced the names of 42 candidates for the elections, including 24 incumbent MPs. However, later in the month, former President Abdulla Yameen announced plans to leave the party and join the People's National Congress due to a legal dispute over the leadership of the PPM. The PNC had been founded by Fonadhoo MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla with support from Yameen, and was also joined by Faafu Nilandhoo MP Abdulla Khaleel. The PPM and PNC would later announce an alliance for the election. Two other parties, the Maldives Labour and Social Democratic Party and the Maldives Third Way Democrats, were also founded in preparation for the elections. The MDP held primary elections in January 2019, with 279 candidates running to become the party's nominees in 77 seats; in nine seats there was only one potential candidate, whilst there were no candidates for the PPM stronghold of Faafu Nilandhoo. Voting was open to around 86,000 party members, with five incumbent MPs being defeated. Former president Mohamed Nasheed was selected as the Machangoalhi Central candidate.
Results
Initial results suggested that the Maldivian Democratic Party was on course to win at least 59 seats, up to a maximum of 68 seats, in the legislature. Ultimately, the MDP won 65 out of the 87 seats. This was the first time since a democratic government was established in 2008 that a single party had been voted into power without the need for a coalition. It is also the first time a party or coalition had been elected with a two-thirds majority, which would enable the legislature to remove judges from the bench. If any other MPs choose to support the government, the MDP faction will reach a three-fourths majority, and will be able to pass amendments to the Maldivian constitution. Elected MPs take office on 28 May. Former President Mohammed Nasheed was elected to represent Central Machchangoalhi five months after returning from exile, becoming the first former Maldivian president to be elected to Parliament. Additionally, he is expected to lead the MDP in the legislature.
