The Maldivian Democratic Party's victory in the Guraidhoo by-election has demonstrated the constituency's support for the government, according to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's statement last night.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took to Twitter to congratulate the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s candidate, Ibrahim Shaz, on his successful bid in the Guraidhoo by-election.
"This election demonstrated that the people of the constituency support the government. The MDP's first-time triumph in this constituency is a significant accomplishment for the party." President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih remarked.
The by-election saw Hussain Riza, brother of the late Ibrahim Riza, running as the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) candidate, while Ali Areef contested the election on behalf of the Maldives National Party (MNP).
For the past three terms, the seat had been occupied by the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), represented by Ibrahim Riza. However, the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) victory in the Guraidhoo by-election marks the first time they have won the seat and a parliamentary seat in the Kaafu atoll.
According to the Elections Commission's preliminary results, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Ibrahim Shaz won the by-election with 1,346 votes, while Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) candidate Hussain Riza received 1,226 votes, and Maldives National Party (MNP) candidate Ali Areef received 122 votes.