In a sweeping success, the People’s National Congress (PNC) clinched nine out of twelve contested seats in the today’s by-elections. These elections encompassed the HDh. Makunudhoo Council election, the by-election for the women’s seat on the N. Landhoo Council, and Women’s Development Committee elections across ten islands.
Notably, PNC’s Aathifa Moosa emerged victorious in the N. Landhoo Council women’s member election, defeating Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Fathimath Riyasha. Provisional results indicate Aathifa secured 241 votes against Riyasha’s 214.
In the Women’s Development Committee elections, PNC achieved wins in several constituencies:
- B. Goidhoo: Najwa Farooq
- R. Innamaadhoo: Aishath Eesha and Zulfa Adam
- L. Gan: Aminath Afrah
- N. Fodhdhoo: Aishath Amani Abdul Hadi
- Th. Buruni: Ruqiyya Razeena
- HDh. Hirimaradhoo: Faheema Abdullah
- GA. Kanduhulhudhoo: Aminath Shifana
This by-election cycle, the first of the year, initially opened opportunities for by-elections in five local councils and Women’s Development Committees in 28 islands. However, in 21 islands where only one candidate contested, by-elections were deemed unnecessary.
Beyond the contested seats, PNC secured 26 positions unopposed. Combining these with the nine contested victories, the party’s total seat count has risen to 35. In contrast, the rival MDP managed to win only two seats, while independent candidates claimed the remaining two.
This triumph further solidifies PNC’s political influence in the Maldives, following their substantial win in the April 2024 parliamentary elections, where they secured a supermajority with 70 out of 93 seats.
The recent by-election results underscore the PNC’s growing dominance in Maldivian politics, reflecting public endorsement of their policies and leadership.
