ECM Extends Deadline for North Hithadhoo By-Election Application

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has extended the application window for the North Hithadhoo constituency by-election for the parliament until Saturday, 3:00 pm.

In a gazetted announcement today, the ECM said the deadline, previously set to close on Wednesday, 29 April at 3:00 p.m., has been extended. No reason was provided for the change.

The by-election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 6 June.

The vote follows a ruling by the Supreme Court declaring the North Hithadhoo parliamentary seat vacant. The court found that former MP Mohamed Sinan (Sina) had failed to settle a court-ordered debt, resulting in his disqualification from holding the seat.

According to the ECM, applications can be submitted either electronically or in person. For email submissions, candidates must send completed forms and supporting documents to candidacy@elections.gov.mv, with a total file size not exceeding 10 MB. The Commission said applicants are responsible for ensuring successful delivery.

Alternatively, candidates may submit applications in person at the Elections Commission headquarters at the Port Complex, 5th Floor, Hilaalee Magu, Malé. Submissions are accepted from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, except on Fridays, when the office operates from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mohamed Shinan has announced his candidacy for the North Hithadhoo constituency, seeking to return to Parliament following his removal through the Supreme Court ruling.

In a statement shared on social media, Shinan said he will contest the People’s National Congress (PNC) primary for the by-election and called on party members in the constituency to support his bid.