EC Announces Results of By-Elections for WDC

The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) announced the results of the by-elections for the women’s development committees (WDCs), revealing that the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) secured five seats, while the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won two seats. The by-elections, conducted by the ECM on June 17, were held in accordance with a recent legal amendment that allows for WDC by-elections to be held once every year.
މިއަދު ކުރިއަށްގެންދިޔަ އަންހެނުންގެ ތަރައްޤީއަށް މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ކޮމިޓީތަކަށް މެންބަރުން އިންތިޚާބު ކުރުމަށް ބޭއްވި ބައި-އިލެކްޝަންތަކުގެ ވަގުތީ ނަތީޖާ (1/2) pic.twitter.com/YnRRSa6C5E
— Elections Commission (@ElectionsMv) June 17, 2023
The outcome of the by-elections demonstrates that the main opposition party, PPM, secured victories in five constituencies. Zuhudha Mohamed emerged as the winner in Finey, located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, while Aishath Sahira claimed the seat in Dhiffushi, situated in Kaafu Atoll. In addition, Shifaza Ibrahim emerged victorious in Veyvah, part of Meemu Atoll, as well as in Mamendhoo in Laamu Atoll, and Saudhiyya Hussain secured the seat in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Hoandedhdhoo.
Meanwhile, MDP candidate Saana Ahmed won the by-election in Feridhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll, and Mariyam Hassan emerged as the victor in Gaadhiffushi, located in Thaa Atoll. Additionally, an independent candidate, Asima Rasheed, secured the seat in Raa Atoll Angolhitheemu.
The recent amendment to the Local Council Elections Act stipulates that the ECM can conduct WDC by-elections on an annual basis, replacing the previous requirement of holding by-elections within 60 days following a member’s resignation. However, if a women’s development committee lacks sufficient members to meet the quorum, the electoral body will be obligated to promptly organize a by-election.