Former Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe) has expressed his interest in contesting the Hithadhoo North constituency seat, following the Supreme Court's ruling that disqualified the sitting MP Mohamed Sinan.
Speaking to Adhadhu, Sodiq confirmed his intention to run for the seat. A by-election to fill the vacancy must be held within the next 60 days.
In the 2024 parliamentary elections, Sinan won the Hithadhoo North seat with 1,079 votes, accounting for 39 percent of the total vote.
His closest rival was Mohamed Aslam, the Speaker of the 19th Parliament. Contesting on the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ticket, Aslam received 838 votes. Aslam has since stated that Sodiq will have his full support and cooperation in the upcoming race.
Supreme Court ousts MP Sinan over bank debt
The Supreme Court has ousted MP Mohamed Sinan from the People’s Majlis. The bench dismissed claims that he was unaware of the judgment to settle a debt, marking the first time a member of the 20th Majlis has been disqualified by the apex court.
The Supreme Court ruled that Sinan lost his seat due to an issue involving a proven debt.
Sodiq previously served three consecutive terms as the Mayor of Addu City. Additionally, he served as the State Minister for Housing and Infrastructure during the second MDP administration.
