Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said election outcomes should not be seen as final, stressing that success must be met with humility.

His remarks come after the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) suffered significant losses in the local council and women’s development committee elections, as well as the referendum held on Saturday.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won all mayoral seats across the cities and secured majorities in city councils.

In the referendum, a majority of voters opposed holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. Of more than 12,000 votes counted so far, 73 percent voted against the proposal.

Minister Muththalib said the path of democracy is not straightforward.

“Sometimes people will stand behind you and tell you to go with the wind. Sometimes they will tell you to face it and sail against the wind. Every result is not the end. Success is something to be humble about,” he said.

He added that public service should not be measured solely by achievements, but by the ability to reform with determination and earn public trust.

“In a democracy, every decision of the people must be respected. Those in public service should remain calm, learn from the people’s decision and move forward with dignity,” he said.

“History is not written in a day. A person committed to service cannot be lost between two pages.”