Ashiyath Alaika Adhnan, who was defeated in the Male' Women’s Development Committee (WDC) President election last month, has been appointed as a State Minister at the Tourism Ministry.

Mihaaru News has learned that Alaika was appointed State Minister at the Ministry of Transport and Tourism on Sunday. The government has yet to officially make a comment.

Alaika contested the 4 April WDC election against two other candidates. The race was won by Aishath Reesha of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party.

Following her defeat, Alaika said in a post on X that she considered the public support she received to be “a victory beyond measure”.

“While I may not have secured the seat, I leave this journey with something far more profound and enduring the trust, love, and confidence of so many people,” she wrote.

She said her campaign had been driven by a commitment to support families, expand economic opportunities and advocate for women’s empowerment and financial independence.

Alaika also said she had faced “political disappointments”, and at times “bitterness of betrayal”, and false accusations during the campaign.

Despite the setback, she said she remained committed to the principles and causes she believed in.