The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has secured a significant advantage in the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections, winning 69 seats uncontested, according to an announcement by the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM).
This early dominance underscores the party’s strong position ahead of what remains a highly competitive electoral process slated for 4 April.
The ECM finalised the list of eligible candidates on 12 February, confirming uncontested victories in multiple constituencies after withdrawals. A total of 2,994 candidates initially filed nominations, but 67 dropped out before the deadline. Of these withdrawals, 36 were local council candidates, while 31 were vying for seats in women’s development committees.
In the local councils, the PNC secured 28 uncontested seats, while the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won just one. The Adhaalath Party and independent candidates claimed one and three seats, respectively.
A similar trend emerged in the women’s development committees, where the PNC dominated with 41 uncontested victories, followed by the MDP with five. The Adhaalath Party and independents secured one and two seats, respectively.