President Mohamed Muizzu claimed last night that the results of the Hithadhoo North by-election, where the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) was defeated by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), represent a "historic achievement."
Speaking at a PNC rally in Dhaalu Meedhoo, Muizzu noted that despite the loss, the party’s efforts during the campaign were successful. He expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in securing what he described as a historic outcome.
"We did not win the election. We did not succeed; we did not secure the seat. However, very, very successful work was carried out. Starting from almost zero, many individuals put in sincere and hard work," Muizzu said.
"For that reason, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all those who worked in that election to produce those historic results, including all the voters and the residents of the Hithadhoo North constituency."
MDP candidate Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe) won the by-election by a margin of 62 votes. He secured a total of 1,375 votes, while the PNC candidate, Ahmed Saeed (Soda), received 1,313 votes.
The Hithadhoo North seat became vacant after the previously elected member, Mohamed Sinan, lost his seat due to a proven debt case. In the 2024 parliamentary elections held earlier this year, Sinan had won the seat by a margin of 241 votes against MDP candidate Mohamed Aslam.
In that same general election, Soda had contested as an independent candidate, receiving 306 votes. When combining the votes Sinan and Soda received at the time, the total amounted to 1,385 votes. The PNC failed to reach that combined total in this by-election.
In contrast, the MDP significantly increased its support in this by-election, gaining an additional 537 votes compared to the 838 votes the party received in the 2024 parliamentary election.
