PNC describes Hithadhoo North by-election result as a success despite defeat
The election was won by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate and former Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq, who defeated PNC candidate Ahmed Saeed.
The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has described the Hithadhoo North parliamentary by-election as a success despite losing the seat to the opposition.
The by-election was held after the Supreme Court ruled that former Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Sinan had forfeited his seat for failing to settle a debt established through a court judgment.
The election was won by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate and former Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq, who defeated PNC candidate Ahmed Saeed.
According to provisional results released by the Elections Commission, Sodiq secured 1,375 votes while Saeed received 1,313 votes, giving the MDP candidate a margin of 62 votes.
A total of 2,730 voters cast ballots, representing a turnout of 66.25 per cent of eligible voters.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, the PNC thanked voters who supported its candidate and said the result demonstrated continued backing for the party.
The party noted that Saeed secured majorities in five of the seven ballot boxes used in the election, including three of the five ballot boxes in Hithadhoo and one of the two ballot boxes in Malé. The PNC also highlighted that its candidate received more votes overall from the ballot boxes located within Hithadhoo.
The party argued that its performance was achieved without support from other political parties at a time when opposition groups were working together.
"This is an achievement accomplished by this party on its own, without the backing of any other political entity, at a time when all opposition parties have been working closely together," the statement said.
The PNC also thanked party members, campaign workers, party leaders and government officials who participated in the campaign.
The opposition MDP, however, said the result reflected public sentiment and argued that the victory was secured despite what it described as pressure on party members during the campaign period.
Following the result, the MDP increased its representation in the People's Majlis by one seat, while the PNC retained its parliamentary majority.
