News Desk
The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has secured 69 local council and women’s committee seats across the country without a single ballot being cast, after rival candidates withdrew before the formal announcement of nominees, the Election Commission said on Sunday.
In a statement, the Commission confirmed that several constituencies were effectively decided at the close of nominations, leaving only one eligible candidate in each race.
The PNC dominated the uncontested victories, taking 28 council seats outright. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Adhaalath Party each secured one seat, while three independents also won without facing an election.
According to the Commission, the PNC’s uncontested wins include multiple council presidencies and member seats across islands. The MDP won the presidency of the Sh. Foakaidhoo Council, while the Adhaalath Party claimed a member seat in R. Kinolhas. Independent candidates secured women’s reserved seats in R. Maroshi and L. Kalaidhoo, along with a general seat in Hdh. Hanimaadhoo.
The PNC also swept the majority of uncontested seats in women’s development committees, winning 41 positions nationwide. The MDP secured five such seats, the Adhaalath Party one, and two independents were elected without a vote.
The uncontested victories come ahead of the 4 April local council and women’s committee elections, for which 2,962 candidates have been confirmed. A public draw was held last week to determine ballot numbers for constituencies where competitive races will proceed.
