Former Addu City mayor Abdulla Sodiq, known as Soabe, has secured the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ticket for the Hithadhoo North constituency after running unopposed.

The party confirmed Sodiq as its candidate following the close of nominations at 2 pm today, with no other contenders entering the race.

The seat was declared vacant by the Supreme Cour last Sunday after ruling that ruling PNC MP Mohamed Sinan had lost his position.

Sinan’s seat was vacated after he failed to repay MVR 2.5 million linked to a loan he had co-signed in October 2024. A five judge bench found that the amount had not been settled in line with a court judgment.

Speaking to Mihaaru News, Sodiq said he was motivated by a long-standing commitment to public service.

“I have always been involved in politics and will continue to look for ways to serve the people,” he said, adding that he was seeking to extend his service through parliament.

Sodiq served as Mayor of Addu City for a decade from 2011 to 2021 and was later appointed state minister of planning under the previous MDP administration.

Under the Parliament Elections Act, a by-election must be called within five days of a seat becoming vacant. The Elections Commission of Maldives has scheduled the by-election for May 6.