The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has revealed that the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) won five seats and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won two seats in the by-elections of the women’s development committees (WDCs).
ECM held eight WDC by-elections on June 17 as per the new legal amendment allowing the electoral body to hold WDC by-elections once every year. The results show that the main opposition PPM won five seats, the main ruling party MDP won two seats, and an independent candidate won one seat.
As such, PPM candidate Zuhudha Mohamed won in Finey in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Aishath Sahira won the seat in Dhiffushi in Kaafu Atoll, Shifaza Ibrahim won the seat in Veyvah in Meemu Atoll, Mamendhoo in Laamu Atoll, and Saudhiyya Hussain won in Hoandedhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Meanwhile, MDP candidate Saana Ahmed won the seat in Feridhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll, and Mariyam Hassan won in Gaadhiffushi in Thaa Atoll, while independent candidate Asima Rasheed won the seat in Angolhitheemu, Raa Atoll.
Following the amendment to the Local Council Elections Act, the electoral body is allowed to hold WDC by-elections on an annual basis, instead of the previous requirement of holding the by-elections within 60 days following a member's resignation. However, the electoral body will be required to promptly hold a by-election if a committee lacks sufficient members to fulfill the quorum.