Nasheed Says MDP Achieves “Massive Victory” As Opposition Sweeps Local Polls
Former president Mohamed Nasheed, MDP president Abdulla Shahid, and former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih leading a rally held on 3 April ahead of the Local Council and WDC Elections 2026 and Referendum. | Photo: MDP secratariat
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured a sweeping victory in the 2026 local council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, as early results pointed to a nationwide defeat for the government.
Preliminary tallies and projections indicate that the MDP won a commanding share of seats across cities and islands, while voters also rejected the government-backed referendum. Early figures show that 67 percent of voters opposed holding the two elections on the same day, signaling broad public disapproval of the move.
The MDP is projected to have secured mayoral positions of the country’s cities, Malé, Addu City, Fuvahmulah, Kulhudhuffushi and Thinadhoo, according to poll results and local media projections.
Miadhu negi vote gai MDP mi vanee varah bodu thanun sarukaaru balikoh kaamiyaab hoadhaafa. Hurihaa city eh, gina rahrasheh, adhi fenna nufenna vote gai bodu thanun sarukaarah noonekey bunefi. Vote dhehvi hurihaa beyfulhunnah adhi vaadhaverinnah varah bodah marhaba.— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) April 4, 2026
The results mark a significant political moment, with the opposition consolidating control at the local level and the referendum outcome reinforcing voter resistance to proposed electoral changes.
