Local Council Elections and Referendum Coverage

President Mohamed Muizzu has conceded defeat in today's elections after preliminary results showed a significant lead for the opposition.

Hulhumale' South MP Ahmed Shamheed has called on President Mohamed Muizzu to resign after "a resounding no from the people."

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has urged all sides to accept the results in today's elections. 

According to the ballots counted so far, 73 percent are against the government's constitutional amendment to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections. 

The Elections Commission Deputy Chair Abduhrahman Solah said voting was ongoing for four ballot boxes. 

Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Athif has been re-elected in the northern city. 

MDP is leading in the mayoral race for Male', Kulhudhuffushi, Addu and Fuvahmulah. 

The ballots counted so far show a majority of voters rejecting the government's proposed constitutional amendment to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections. 

No - 262

Yes - 90

Invalid - 12

Vote counting is currently underway.

Elections Commission Deputy Chair Abduhrahman Solah told Adhadhu that more than 70 percent of the voter population participated in the elections. 

He said 487 ballot boxes have been sealed out of 588 boxes. 

Some ballot boxes have been sealed after 5:00 pm.

The Elections Commission has closed queues for the elections. Voting began at 8:00 am today and was scheduled to end at 4:00 pm. But an extension was given until 5:00 pm due to the warm weather and long queues. 

According to latest figures, 185,709 people have cast their votes. 

The Elections Commission (EC) said voting hours were extended till 5:00 pm due to the unusually warm weather and long queues. 

The Elections Commission (EC) said 131,947 people had voted by 2:00 pm.

According to the Elections Commission, only 21 percent or 62,083 people voted by 12:00 pm. 

Transparency Maldives urged voters to take all three ballot papers in today's elections. 

In a statement, the organisation said it was closely observing the election process, with officials in Male' and 15 atolls. 

Police said clashes were reported in Gadhdhoo after a group of people tried to move the polling booth over concerns about ballot secrecy.

According to the EC, 41،116 people voted by 10:00 am. 

Voters can submit a form to the EC regarding complaints. The form can be found on the commission's website. 

The MDP said voters can contact 7341637 to submit complaints to the party. 

The ruling PNC did not announce any mechanisms to submit complaints. 

There are three elections happening today, but voters will not be given three ballot papers if they want to skip an election. They will not be given a second opportunity to cast their ballots, even if they change their decision later. 

Apr 4, 2026, 9:40 AM - There are concerns after the EC announced that voters will not be provided with three ballot papers and their names will be announced at the polling station if they choose not to vote in a specific election. 

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said this undermines the secrecy of the ballot. 

Apr 4, 2026, 9:33 AM - According to the EC, voting has now begun at all polling stations across the country. 

Apr 4, 2026, 8:57 AM - The Elections Commission (EC) set up 588 ballot boxes across the country. The commission said voting began at 8:00 am for 86 percent or 506 ballot boxes. 

Apr 4, 2026, 8:46 AM - The voter turnout is usually low for local council elections, but a higher turnout is expected this time due to the referendum on the constitutional amendment. 

Only 69 percent voted in the 2021 local council elections, compared to 87 percent in the 2023 presidential elections. 

Apr 4, 2026, 7:58 AM  - People begin lining up as election officials get ready at polling stations. 

Apr 4, 2026, 7:35 AM -  Welcome to Adhadhu team's Election Day coverage. 

Voters are heading to the polls today for local council and Women's Development Committee elections, alongside a referendum on synchronising presidential and parliamentary elections.

Voting is expected to begin at 8:00 am, and the ballot boxes will be closed at 4:00 pm. 

A total of 1592 candidates are contesting for the seats in the local councils and WDCs. Most of the candidates are from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC). 

According to the Elections Commission (EC), 294,937 people are eligible to vote.