PNC Candidate Suha Ibrahim Wins Dh. Meedhoo Council President Tie-Breaker

Suha Ibrahim of the People’s National Congress (PNC) has won the presidency of the Dhaalu Atoll, Meedhoo Council, in the additional round of voting held yesterday, according to preliminary results released by the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM).

The tie-breaker election was held after the Local Council Elections 2026 ended in a deadlock between the two candidates contesting the council president position. The tie resulted from a court ruling that declared one ballot from the Dh. Meedhoo-2 ballot box valid.

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According to the preliminary results, Suha secured 529 votes, defeating Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) candidate Mohamed Shahid, who received 449 votes.

A total of 985 ballots were cast in the election, of which 978 were valid and seven were invalid. Out of 1,059 eligible voters, 93.9 per cent participated in the vote.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) commended the ECM for the manner in which it conducted the election.

In a statement issued following the poll, the commission said it monitored voting and vote-counting processes at two polling centres in Dhaalu Atoll, Meedhoo, and the polling station established in Malé City for the additional round of voting.

HRCM said it observed the election as part of its mandate to monitor the extent to which human rights are upheld, including ensuring that citizens are able to participate in a free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process.

The commission stated that voting was conducted in a largely peaceful, secure and orderly manner. It acknowledged the efforts of the Elections Commission in administering the election and also recognised the role of the Maldives Police Service in supporting the process.

HRCM further noted the contributions of the candidates, political parties and voters in promoting and upholding democratic participation throughout the election.