President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has praised Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for winning the by-elections for the island councils of Dhiggaru in Meemu Atoll, and Gaadhiffushi in Thaa Atoll held on August 13.
In a tweet, President Solih congratulated the candidates of MDP, noting the wins were crucial for the main ruling party. He also thanked the campaign team and those who had assisted in the campaign.
MDP candidate Zuleikha Ahmed won the Gaadhiffushi by-election with 210 votes, beating the candidate of the main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Hawwa Abdul Khaadhee, who received 201 votes. The candidate representing Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) received four votes. Additionally, MDP candidate Abdulla Arif won the Dhiggaru by-election with 375 votes, beating PPM candidate Abdul Hannaan Ahmed, who received 320 votes. No other party vied for the seat.
Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) held the by-elections on August 13. Voting for the by-elections was carried out in three ballot stations. This included one ballot station each in Dhiggaru and Gaadhiffushi for their respective by-elections and one ballot station located in Male’ for residents of both islands living in the city.
ECM revealed that 733 people were eligible to vote at the ballot station in Dhiggaru, while 218 people were eligible to vote in Gaadhiffushi. A further 586 voters were eligible to vote at the combined ballot station located in Male’.