PNC VP elections: Rafiu wins highest votes; Asma and Nimal suffer defeat

Combined file photos of (clockwise from L-R) Ahmed Shiyam, Mohamed Saeed, Fathimath Saudha, Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), Abdulla Rafiu, and Ibrahim Shujau.

Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu secured the highest number of votes, while Local Government Authority (LGA)’s CEO Ahmed Nimal and Central Maafann MP Asma Rasheed suffered defeat in the People’s National Congress (PNC)’s vice president elections on Wednesday, on Day 2 of the ruling party’s congress.

1,095 party members voted in the election to pick the PNC’s six vice presidents.

The preliminary results released by the party’s elections committee shows Rafiu, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha, the sister of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, along with Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and chief government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) won the election.

Rafiu secured his win with 968 votes, making for a landslide victory of 88.4 percent.

Election results:

Rafiu: 968 votes (88.4 percent)
Shiyam: 964 votes (88.04 percent)
Saudha: 923 votes (84.29 percent)
Shujau: 862 votes (78.72 percent)
Saeed: 833 votes (76.07 percent)
Mundhu: 780 votes (71.23 percent)

While Mundhu won the election, his mother, Asma, suffered defeat after managing to secure only 288 votes (26.30 percent). Meanwhile, Nimal also failed to secure enough votes, managing only 301 votes (27.49 percent).

Combined photos of (from L-R) Ahmed Nimal and Asma Rasheed.

Voting was carried out via a QR code.

The PNC states that complaints regarding the election results may be submitted until 02:00 pm Wednesday. The elections committee will review the complaints by 04:00 pm, and announce the permanent results at 06:00 pm.

PNC is scheduled to hold a rally on Wednesday night, to celebrate the newly-elected officials.