Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has revealed that candidates representing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won three of the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) by-elections held on July 2. The by-elections were held for the vacant WDC slots of Lhaimagu and Komandoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll, and Thoddoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll.
Candidates from MDP and Maldives National Party (MNP) won the two WDC slots of Komandoo, beating the candidate representing the main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). This is also the first time a candidate of MNP won a by-election since the party’s inception. Additionally, candidates of MDP won the WDC slots of Lhaimagu and Thoddoo, beating the PPM candidate, while an independent candidate won the WDC slot in Thuludshoo.
ECM stated that MDP candidate Mariyam Zuhura won the Lhaimagu by-election, MDP candidate Aminath Majudha won the Thoddoo by-election, MDP candidate Aishath Waheeda and MNP candidate Zaeema Adam won the Komandoo by-election, and independent candidate Aishath Rashad won the Thulusdhoo by-election.
Furthermore, ECM is preparing to hold by-elections on July 23 for the vacant WDC slots of Innamaadhoo in Raa Atoll, Vandhoo in Thaa Atoll, and Hithadhoo in Addu City.