Sinan Announces Rerun for Hithadhoo North Parliament Seat Following His Removal by the Supreme Court 

Mohamed Sinan has announced his candidacy for the Hithadhoo North constituency, seeking to return to Parliament after being removed from the seat by a ruling of the Supreme Court of the Maldives.

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

The by-election was triggered after the Supreme Court ruled that Sinan’s parliamentary seat was vacant, citing his failure to settle a court-ordered debt.

The case relates to a loan of MVR 3.8 million obtained from the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), which Sinan and other shareholders reportedly failed to repay. In October 2024, the Hithadhoo Court ordered him to pay MVR 2.5 million within six months.

In its decision, the Supreme Court cited Article 73 of the Constitution, which states that individuals with outstanding debts confirmed by a court judgment are ineligible to serve as Members of Parliament. The Court concluded that Sinan no longer met the qualifications to hold office and declared the seat vacant.

The People’s National Congress (PNC) has opened applications for prospective candidates seeking to contest the Hithadhoo North by-election under its ticket.

According to the ruling party, interested individuals must submit their nominations by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, 19 April. Applications are to be filed through the party’s candidate portal, as announced on its official social media platforms.

The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has also opened the nomination period for the Hithadhoo North Constituency by-election, scheduled to take place on 6 June.