PNC wins 2 seats on Local Government Authority board

The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has won both contested seats on the Local Government Authority (LGA) board, defeating candidates from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The elections were held on Saturday to select two representatives for the LGA board: one from island councils and another from the presidents of Women's Development Committees (WDCs).

Voting took place from 10am to 4pm.

According to provisional results announced by the LGA, PNC candidates secured both positions.

Ali Ahmed, President of the F. Nilandhoo Council and the PNC candidate for the island council seat, won the election with 314 votes.

His opponent, MDP candidate Ali Thariq, President of the N. Manadhoo Council, received 227 votes.

Ali Ahmed secured the seat with a majority of 87 votes.

Mariyam Zeena, President of the Sh. Funadhoo Women's Development Committee and the PNC candidate for the WDC seat, won with 93 votes.

Her opponent, MDP candidate Mariyam Neena, President of the L. Gan Women's Development Committee, received 67 votes.

Zeena won by a margin of 26 votes.

Polling stations were established across 19 atolls, including Malé, for the elections.

In Malé, voting took place at the LGA office.

LGA employees served as election officials at the polling stations.

The LGA board also includes a representative elected from among city councils.

Mohamed Aathif, Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City, was the only candidate to contest that position.

He was therefore elected unopposed before Saturday's elections, without the need for a vote.

With the completion of Saturday's voting, the representatives from island councils and Women's Development Committees have also been selected for the LGA board, subject to confirmation of the provisional results.