Election Commission extends nomination deadline for Hithadhoo North by‑election to Saturday afternoon

The Election Commission (EC) has extended the deadline for submitting nominations for the vacant Hithadhoo North parliamentary seat.

The seat became vacant after the Supreme Court ruled on the 12th of this month that PNC member Mohamed Sinaan had lost his seat due to non‑payment of proven debts.

According to the EC’s announcement on the 13th, nomination forms were initially due by 3:00 pm on Wednesday. The commission announced on Monday that the deadline has now been extended until 3:00 pm on Saturday.

Applications for the by‑election can be submitted via the commission’s email. The EC said those facing difficulties submitting forms electronically may appear in person and file their documents within the stipulated time.

Under the law, a member’s seat must be declared vacant within five days, and a by‑election must be held within 60 days.

The by‑election is scheduled for June 6, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Official results are expected to be announced two days later, on June 8.

Sinaan was convicted of taking a loan of MVR 3.8 million from Islamic Bank in collaboration with others. The case also involves Ahmed Waheed and Mohamed Saleem of Hithadhoo, Addu.

Sinaan’s seat became vacant after polls were held on April 4 in what were described as elections to gauge public support for the government. Alongside council and women’s development committee elections, a vote was taken on holding the two main elections together. The PNC suffered heavy defeats in all three votes.

In addition to Sinaan, the opposition MDP is contesting the vacant Hithadhoo North seat.

The MDP opened its primary for the constituency, but only former Addu City mayor Abdulla Sodhiq (Sobe) submitted his name. Sinaan secured the PNC ticket after defeating Hithadhoo Moolekede constituency councilor Ahmed Saeed in the party’s primary.