'Historic win for MDP; renewed hope for presidential election'
"The results of this vote are shining proof that the whole country has accepted President Solih," Rozaina said in a congratulatory message.
By
Ahmed Mizyal
MDP has never won a parliamentary seat in K. atoll before. However, this changed in the by-election to K. Guraidhoo constituency held on Saturday. The Guraidhoo constituency, which was controlled by the opposition PPM, has been turned upside down by MDP.
With two factions emerging and supporters of the party's president Mohamed Nasheed openly working against President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the victory is described by many ordinary members and the leadership as a historic, big achievement.
"We are winning a seat that has never been acquired in the party's history, despite internal challenges," Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim, campaign manager of Ibrahim Shaz, who contested from Guraidhoo constituency, told Atoll Times Saturday evening.
"This is the result of our efforts to keep the party united at a time when there is a question mark over an alliance for the presidential elections. This result also shows the extent of support of the people of Guraidhoo constituency for MDP’s presidential candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
"[The people of the constituency] have said yes to the projects and programmes planned in this constituency under the leadership of President Solih."
Even in the congratulatory messages on social media, the public and senior party leaders described it as a major victory for the party.
MDP Chairperson and economic minister Fayyaz Ismail congratulated all those who worked hard to ensure the party's victory in the elections.
"For the first time in our parliamentary life, I would like to thank all the people of Guraidhoo constituency who helped MDP win a parliamentary seat in K. atoll," Hulhumale MP Ali Niyaz said.
Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam said that with this result, President Solih can easily win the presidential election.
"The results of this vote are shining proof that the whole country has accepted President Solih," Rozaina said in a congratulatory message.
Party spokesman Anas Abdul Sattar said it was a clear indication of the extent of public support for the government's policies.
"This victory shows the people's support for the policies of the government and the faith of the members of this party in the direction that MDP is on," he said.
Election results
Hussain Riza Adam (PPM):
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Male Box - 150
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Maafushi No. 1 Box - 226
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Maafushi No. 2 Box - 179
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Guaidhoo No. 1 Box - 219
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Guaidhoo No. 2 Box - 210
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Gulhi Box - 242
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Total votes – 1,226
Ibrahim Shaz (MDP):
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Male Box - 162
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Box No. 1 Maafushi - 308
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Box No. 2 maafushi - 196
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Guaidhoo No. 1 Box - 179
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Guaidhoo No. 2 Box - 246
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Gulhi Box - 255
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Total votes – 1,346
Ali Areef (MNP):
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Male Box - 20
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Box No. 1 Maafushi - 27
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Box No. 2 of Maafushi - 24
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Guaidhoo No. 1 Box - 21
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Guaidhoo No. 2 Box - 14
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Gulhi box - 16
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Total votes – 122
