Council Elections: MDP wins Dhonfanu; Independent takes Fuvahmulah

Apr 19, 2026, 8:48 AM
Vote counting for the 2026 Local Council Elections -- Photo: Mohamed Shahuzan / Adhadhu

Vote counting for the 2026 Local Council Elections -- Photo: Mohamed Shahuzan / Adhadhu

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured a seat on the Baa Dhonfanu Council, while an independent candidate won a seat on the Fuvahmulah City Council in the second round of local council elections held yesterday. 

Voting took place in a total of five islands. This included council elections in two islands and Women's Development Committee (WDC) elections in three islands.

MDP candidate Aminath Rafahu won the Dhonfanu Council seat with 203 votes. Her opponent, representing the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), received 166 votes.

In Fuvahmulah City, independent candidate Sheeza Ibrahim secured the Dhandimagu constituency seat with 595 votes, defeating the PNC candidate who received 562 votes.

Despite these losses, the ruling PNC swept the WDC seats, winning the presidency of the Kelaa WDC as well as seats on the Laamu Maavah and Haa Dhaal Neykurendhoo WDCs.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Next year’s budget is a “big scam”: MP Ameen

MP Ameen Faisal has condemned the government’s proposed 2025 budget as a "scam" designed to deceive the public and plunder national resources. He criticized the lack of progress on past projects despite massive state spending and accused the administration of failing to deliver on its promises to citizens.

MMA chief urges MIRA to audit resorts

MMA Governor Ahmed Munawar has urged the tax authority to audit resorts, noting that only 50 out of 150 currently pay income tax. He questioned the lack of reported profits and announced plans to tighten regulations next year to ensure more tourism-generated US dollars enter the national banking system.

Bill targets social media posts with fines up to MVR 500,000

A new bill submitted to the Maldives Parliament proposes fines up to MVR 500,000 for defamation on social media. The legislation targets both original posters and those who share defamatory content, including gestures and films. If a claim is proven false, courts must award damages between MVR 50,000 and MVR 500,000 to the plaintiff.

Alcohol can be sold in reclaimed islands under Rasmale' zone

The proposed Real Estate Bill allows for the sale and consumption of alcohol and pork on separately reclaimed islands within the Rasmale' zone. While these items remain strictly prohibited in residential and commercial areas, the new framework permits them on adjacent tourism islands to accommodate foreign residents and visitors.

Real Estate Bill grants Rasmale' Project special exemptions

The Real Estate Bill includes a provision exempting the Rasmalé project from competitive bidding and oversight by the ACC and Auditor General. This legal carve-out validates prior deals with UAE’s Eagle Hills, bypassing standard transparency rules. Future projects must meet strict investment criteria but lack the same total exemptions.

Man found dead in parked vehicle in Male'

A 41-year-old man was found dead inside a parked pickup truck in Malé on Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital after being discovered unresponsive. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

"Muizzu knows public would reject Rasmale' deal"

MDP leader Fayyaz Ismail claims President Muizzu is avoiding a public referendum on the Rasmalé land deal because he knows citizens would overwhelmingly reject it. Fayyaz argues the project lacks transparency and warns that future governments may be forced to alter the agreement if it proceeds without public consent.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox