82 candidates elected unopposed
15 ފެބުރުއަރީ 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 12:30Ahead of the elections scheduled for this April, 82 candidates have secured their seats without a contest following the withdrawal of 67 other contenders. The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) secured the highest number of these uncontested seats, followed by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Those elected without a vote include 33 local councilors and 49 members of Women's Development Committees.
A scene from the balloting process held to determine the order of candidates on the ballot papers for the Thinadhoo City Council and Women's Development Committee elections. | Elections Commission | Elections Commission
A total of 82 candidates have been elected unopposed for the upcoming Local Council and Women's Development Committee elections, scheduled to take place in early April.
A total of 33 candidates have been elected to council seats without a contest. This includes 28 representatives from the People's National Congress (PNC), one from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), one from the Adhaalath Party, and three independent candidates.
49 candidates have been elected uncontested to the Women's Development Committees. This group includes 41 representatives from the People's National Congress (PNC), five from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), one from the Adhaalath Party (AP), and two independent candidates.
The People's National Congress (PNC) has secured the highest number of seats uncontested in the upcoming two elections. While the ruling party claimed 69 seats without a vote, the main opposition, MDP, secured only 6 seats.
In accordance with Article 51(a) of the Regulations for the Local Council Elections and Women's Development Committee Elections 2026, the Elections Commission officially announced on February 15 the candidates who have been elected without a vote.
A total of 67 candidates withdrew their names during the official period for withdrawal of nominations. This includes 31 candidates who had applied for Women's Development Committees and 36 candidates who had contested for local council seats.
Following the withdrawal of 67 candidates, a total of 2,927 candidates are now set to contest the election.
The election is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 4.
