Film star Yoope loses PNC primary by a single vote

Film star Yoosuf Shafeeu (Yoope) has lost the PNC primary for the Machangolhi North seat of the Malé City Council by just one vote. 

The primary, held to determine the party's candidate for the upcoming Local Council Elections, saw a tense standoff that concluded only today after a period of uncertainty. The results were initially withheld following unrest during the voting on December 27, leading to an official review of the ballot. Adam Adeem ultimately secured the party’s ticket with 58 votes, while Yoope received 57.

The dispute in the constituency arose from allegations that more votes had been cast than there were eligible voters present. However, after a thorough investigation and a recount, it was confirmed that no extra votes had been added to the ballot box. 

This primary was part of a larger internal election within the PNC, which saw 308 candidates competing for various positions, 183 for local councils and 121 for Women's Development Committees (WDC).

As the nation prepares for the official Local Council and WDC elections on April 4, 2026, a total of 1,362 positions are up for grabs across the country. 

Meanwhile, the opposition MDP is also gearing up for its own internal processes, with its primary scheduled for the 16th of this month, featuring 125 candidates.