Ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has secured a total of 69 seats uncontested across local councils and Women's Development Committees (WDCs).
In an announcement today, the Elections Commission (EC) stated that after the candidacy application deadline for the Local Council Elections was reached, some names were withdrawn before candidate numbers were drawn and announced. This has led to seats in some constituencies being confirmed uncontested.
The EC also publicized the names of candidates whose seats have been confirmed in this way without the need for an election.
The majority of these were members of PNC, with 28 local council seats secured.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Adhaalath Party each secured one seat. Three independent candidates also had their seats confirmed.
Seats secured by PNC
- Council President seats in HA. Utheemu, HA. Baarah, AA. Himandhoo, ADh. Kumburudhoo, ADh. Mandhoo, and ADh. Dhihdhoo.
- Council Member seats in HA. Thuraakunu, B. Dhonfan, K. Gulhi, ADh. Kumburudhoo, V. Fulidhoo, V. Felidhoo, M. Raiymandhoo, and L. Mundoo.
- Two Council Member seats in Th. Vilufushi.
- Seats reserved for women in HA. Utheemu, Sh. Maroshi, R. Fainu, R. Kinolhas, AA. Himandhoo, ADh. Dhihdhoo, V. Felidhoo and L. Mundoo.
- Two seats reserved for women in B. Eydhafushi and Th. Vilufushi.
Seat secured by MDP
- Council President seat in AA. Bodufolhudhoo
Seat secured by Adhaalath Party
- Council Member seat in R. Kinolhas
Seats secured by independent candidates
- Seat reserved for women in Sh. Maroshi
- Council Member seat in ADh. Hanyameedhoo
- Seat reserved for women in L. Kalaidhoo
PNC also secures majority uncontested seats in WDCs
PNC also received the highest number of uncontested seats in WDCs. As per the list released by the EC, PNC secured 41 seats on WDCs.
MDP secured 5 WDC seats, while Adhaalath Party secured just one. Two independent candidates also won their seats uncontested.
Draws were taken last week to assign candidate numbers for those contesting in the Local Council and WDC elections.
Excluding withdrawn names, there are now 2,962 candidates contesting in the April 4 elections.
