News Desk
Former Hithadhoo North MP Mohammed Sinaan has withdrawn from the upcoming by‑election despite winning the PNC primary, saying the party stands a better chance of taking the seat with a new candidate.
Sinaan announced his decision on social media, thanking the party president and leadership for the support he received during the primary, which he said was conducted fairly and without dispute. He said three days of discussions with constituents convinced him that stepping back would strengthen the party’s chances.
He pledged to campaign fully for the party’s nominee. “I don’t want to miss any chance of defeating Sobe and taking the seat for PNC. I will be with Saeed,” he told Mihaaru, referring to MDP candidate Abdullah Sodiq (Sobe), the former Addu City mayor.
Sinaan won the primary with 226 votes against Hithadhoo councillor Ahmed Saeed, who received 187 votes. He has now informed the party leadership that he will not contest the by‑election, and the decision has been accepted.
Sinaan said he would join the campaign as soon as the party finalises its candidate. “My sincere request is that everyone comes out with a new spirit and elects our party’s candidate,” he said.
The Hithadhoo North seat became vacant after the Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that Sinaan had lost his seat for failing to comply with a court‑ordered repayment of a MVR 2.5 million loan taken from the Islamic Bank in 2018.
The opposition MDP has already confirmed Sobe as its candidate, as no other contender sought the ticket.
The by‑election is scheduled for 6 June.
