Sodiq and Saeed enter race for vacant Hithadhoo North seat
The by-election was called after former MP Mohamed Sinan was disqualified over an outstanding proven debt.
Elections Commission of Maldives on Saturday announced that the Maldivian Democratic Party and the ruling People's National Congress are the only parties contesting the upcoming by-election for the vacant Hithadhoo North constituency seat in the People’s Majlis.
The by-election was called after former MP Mohamed Sinan was disqualified over an outstanding proven debt.
The commission opened nominations on 13 April and initially set 29 April as the deadline. The application period was later extended until 3:00pm on Saturday.
According to the commission, two candidates submitted nominations before the final deadline.
Former Addu City Council mayor Abdulla Sodiq will contest for the MDP, while Ahmed Saeed will represent the PNC.
Sodiq secured the MDP nomination uncontested after no other party member sought the ticket.
The PNC had earlier held a primary won by Sinan. However, the party later selected Saeed after Sinan decided not to contest the by-election, citing insufficient time to organise another primary.
The Hithadhoo North by-election is scheduled for Saturday, 6 June.
Polling will take place from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
