Hawwa Abdul Azeez of Nilandhoo island has become the first woman elected as an atoll council President in the Maldives.
She won the by-election held on Saturday to elect a new atoll council President for Faafu atoll. She contested as a government candidate from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
Her opponent Ibrahim Khaleel of Nilandhoo island was from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
According to the provisional results, Hawwa got 941 votes while Ibrahim Khaleel got 888 votes. There are 4,385 eligible voters in the constituency and the voter turnout was 42.9 percent.
On Saturday, by-elections were also held to elect the President of Vaavu Felidhoo council and Raa Rasgetheemu Women's Development Committee.
PNC candidate Hussain Wisaam won the seat of Felidhoo council President. MDP candidate Hawwa Ali won the seat of the Rasgetheemu Women's Development Committee.
