Sodiq signals bid for vacant Hithadhoo North MP seat
Following the ruling, supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party in Addu have begun activity on social media regarding the by-election.
Former Addu Mayor Abdullah Sodiq has expressed interest in contesting the Hithadhoo North constituency seat vacated by the Supreme Court.
The vacancy follows a ruling by the court on a petition filed over a year ago against Mohamed Sinaan, a PNC member for Hithadhoo North. The court declared his seat vacant due to debt on Sunday.
Under the Constitution, a by-election must be held within 60 days of a seat becoming vacant. The process to open nominations must begin within five days.
Following the ruling, supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party in Addu have begun activity on social media regarding the by-election.
Sodiq confirmed to Dhauru that he intends to contest the seat. He said he plans to take part in the party primary and noted that the party had requested him to run.
“I intend to contest the by-election in order to serve the constituency and the country,” he said. “In politics, people consider progress. I am ready to contest the seat.”
Sinaan was elected to the 20th Parliament, defeating former Speaker and four-term MP Mohamed Aslam.
Aslam is not expected to contest the by-election. He has expressed support for Sodiq.
Sodiq served as Mayor of Addu for 10 years. He also held the post of State Minister at the planning ministry during the last MDP administration.
