All incumbent mayors have failed to secure the ticket of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the primaries held ahead of the local council elections.
In the primary for Male' City Mayor, incumbent Mayor Sifa Mohamed lost to Anas Abdul Sattar, who is currently serving as the Secretary General of MDP. According to the results released by MDP, Anas secured 1,025 votes while Sifa came in second with 835 votes. Former Mayor Adam Manik came in third with 780 votes.
Meanwhile, Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq, who was bidding to win a fourth term in office, lost the primary to former Parliamentarian Ali Nizar. According to the latest results, Nizar is leading across all constituencies of Addu with the exception of North Hithadhoo. Furthermore, Fuvahmulah City Mayor Abdulla Falaah has also lost the primary, with Ismail Rafeeq confirmed to win the ticket.
MDP conducted the primary elections for all city councils, atoll councils and island councils on Friday. However, voting in Gaafu Alifu Atoll was halted due to discord at the polling station. Vice President of MDP Mohamed Shifaz said the discord in Gaafu Alifu Atoll was caused by the lack of space in the polling station. He said the votes in the ballot box kept in the atoll have been annulled, adding the primary for the atoll will be rescheduled.
According to MDP, 169 ballot boxes were placed across the country for the primaries, which were contested by 909 candidates. Winners of the primaries will compete from MDP at the local council elections, set to be held on April 4.