The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has commended "the huge victory" in the by-elections held on Saturday despite government influence.
In a post on X, Fayyaz accused the government of using state resources to distribute money and jobs for the vote.
"Today's results show that the people will overcome the government's threats. We will go out for the upcoming elections encouraged by today’s results," he wrote.
The former Economic Minister also thanked everyone who voted for the MDP in the by-elections.
Candidates were elected for the Women's Development Committee (WDC) in 12 constituencies and a councillor was elected for one local council. The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) fielded candidates for all positions and won nine seats.
MDP candidates contested six seats and won two. There were six independent candidates out of which two defeated ruling party candidates.
Additionally, the government won 24 seats without an election because there was only one candidate.
PNC candidates who won by-elections:
- Athifa Moosa - Noonu Landhoo (WDC)
- Aishath Esha and Zulfa Adam - Raa Innamaadhoo (WDC)
- Faheema Abdullah - Haa Dhaal Hirimaradhoo (WDC)
- Aminath Afrah - Laamu Gan (WDC)
- Najwa Farooq - Baa Goidhoo (WDC)
- Aishath Amany Abdul Haadhee - Noonu Fohdhoo (WDC)
- Rugiyya Razeena - Thaa Burunee (WDC)
- Aminath Shifana - Gaaf Alif Kanduhulhudhoo (WDC)
MDP candidates who won by-elections:
- Khadeeja Ibrahim - Alif Dhaal Hanyaameedhoo (WDC)
- Aminath Athuma - Noonu Miladhoo (WDC)
Independent candidates who won by-elections:
- Ibrahim Mohamed - Haa Dhaal Makunudhoo council member
- Fathimath Risala - Dhaalu Hulhudheli (WDC)
Meanwhile, the Elections Commission (EC) filed a police complaint after a voter tried to take a ballot paper out of the polling station in Miladhoo island.
EC member Hassan Zakariyya said the commission had received three complaints about the incident.
"We are investigating the incident and it has now been reported to the police," he said.
Taking a ballot paper out of the polling station is an offence under the Elections (General) Act and offenders can face jail or a fine.
