Yameen backs MDP's Sodiq in Hithadhoo North by-election

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has announced his support for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Abdulla Sodiq in the upcoming by-election for the Hithadhoo North constituency.

Yameen, who leads the People’s National Front (PNF), made the announcement during a rally held at the party’s office on Sunday night.

The by-election was triggered after the seat became vacant following the disqualification of former People’s National Congress (PNC) MP Mohamed Sinan due to a debt-related case.

Two candidates are contesting the election:

Addressing supporters, Yameen urged voters not to support candidates representing the ruling party and said he preferred to see the MDP candidate win the constituency.

“The candidate contesting there is from the MDP. Therefore, if we are to change the current status quo, I would rather see the MDP candidate win over the PNC candidate. I just want to clearly state that I support the MDP candidate,” Yameen said.

Voting for the Hithadhoo North by-election is scheduled to take place on June 6, with polling set to run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Yameen’s endorsement comes as opposition parties continue discussions on cooperation against the government.

The former president, alongside former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has been involved in efforts to establish a joint opposition movement. The initiative has already received approval from both the MDP National Council and the PNF Council.

Sodiq previously served as Mayor of Addu City and secured the MDP nomination uncontested. Ahmed Saeed is contesting on behalf of the ruling PNC following Sinan’s disqualification.

The Hithadhoo North vote will be one of the first electoral contests since the formation of the opposition alliance involving the MDP and PNF.