Elections Commission of Maldives has announced a fresh election for the post of Dhaalu Meedhoo council president following a High Court ruling that effectively resulted in a tie between the leading candidates.

The original election, held during the local council polls on 4 April, was contested by PNC candidate Suha Ibrahim, MDA candidate Mohamed Shahid and independent candidate Ibrahim Naseem.

Initial results showed Suha leading with 393 votes, while Shahid secured 392 votes. Naseem received 100 votes.

However, one vote cast for Suha was later invalidated after authorities determined that an ineligible person had voted at a polling station in Laamu Fonadhoo. The decision handed Shahid victory by a single vote.

The High Court on Thursday ruled that one of the ballot papers cast for Suha had been wrongly invalidated, leading to both candidates drawing in the election, prompting the need for a fresh vote.

Following the ruling, Elections Commission announced that a new election will be held on 13 June.

Polling is scheduled from 8am to 4pm, with vote counting due to begin after a 30-minute break following the close of polls.

The commission said official results will be announced on 14 June, adding that complaints regarding the election process can be submitted by filling the complaints form.