Opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has won three seats in the by-elections of the Women’s Development Committee (WDC).

The by-elections took place in five islands; N. Kendhikulhdhoo, N. Magoodhoo, HDh. Nolhivaram, K. Dhiffushi and AA. Feridhoo. A third round was being conducted in N. Magoodhoo because two candidates went into a draw. Elections Commission announced the temporary results of the election, on Saturday night.

PPM candidates competed in three of the islands -Magoodhoo, Dhiffushi and Nolhivaram- and won all three seats.

Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won the two seats in the Kendhikulhdhoo committee, while the only independent candidates competed for the four seats in the Feridhoo by-election.

4,937 people were eligible to vote in the WDC by-election. 12 voting boxes were established, out of which only 11 were utilized.

The final results of this by-election will be announced on August 10.

Three more by-elections of the WDC are to be held on September 11; in HDh. Neykurendhoo, N. Kendhikulhdhoo and R. Maduvvari.

The first council elections of the WDC was held on the 10th of April this year, after a year-long delay due to Covid-19 concerns and restrictions.