Some results from the first internal elections of The Democrats have been annulled after the number of voters in ballot boxes exceeded the number of party members in the constituency.
Results of ballot boxes designated for the election of the Young Democrats Leader have been annulled for a a re-vote, Medhu Henveiru MP Ali Azim, the party’s parliamentary group leader, said on Wednesday.
The problems occurred due to errors made by election officials, who issued more ballot papers than the number of eligible voters, he said.
"Papers were sent in excess of the number of youth. Each member was given at least three ballot papers. Some people were given a total of 10 papers. Those were separate papers to elect officials to various party branches and constituencies. There was confusion in issuing ballot papers," Azim said.
Islands where votes for Youth Leader were annulled:
- Baa Dharavandhoo, Fehendhoo, Goidhoo, Kudarikilu
- Gaaf Dhaal Gadhdhoo
- Haa Alif Hoarafushi
- Haa Dhaal Neykurendhoo
- Raa Alifushi
- Shaviyani Maaugoodhoo
- Thaa Kinbidhoo
- Haa Dhaal Nolhivaram
- Noonu Miladhoo
- Baa Maalhos
A re-vote was also needed to elect the party's Noonu atoll president due to polling issues, Azim said.
The contenders for the party's Youth Leader were Mohamed Masih and Yoosuf Shah.
Hassan Latheef was elected as the party's leader with 1,807 votes. His opponent Hussain Amr trailed with 1,484 votes. There were 25 invalid votes, Azim said.
The results of The Democrats' election were announced a day after polls closed, drawing criticism from party members. The number of eligible voters was 5,835 members.
