Deadline extended for North Hithadhoo by-election applications
The North Hithadhoo constituency seat has become vacant following a Supreme Court ruling that disqualified MP Mohamed Sinan due to an outstanding proven debt. The by-election is scheduled for June 6, with independent candidates required to submit 50 supporting signatures to qualify. The Elections Commission expects to announce the official results on June 8.
A person casts their ballot during the recent election. — (File Photo) | Raajje MV
The Elections Commission has extended the deadline for submitting candidacies for the North Hithadhoo constituency by-election, following the vacancy of the parliamentary seat.
In an announcement released on Monday, the Commission stated that the deadline to apply for the election has been extended until 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Applications for the election were initially opened from April 14 to April 29, 2026. However, the Commission has now decided to extend this deadline. The by-election for the Hithadhoo North constituency is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The seat for this constituency became vacant following a Supreme Court ruling that disqualified the incumbent Member of Parliament, Mohamed Sinan. The court determined that Sinan no longer met the constitutional requirements for office due to an outstanding proven debt that remains unpaid.
According to the Elections Commission, candidates must submit their application forms to the commission's main office located on the 5th floor of the Port Complex on Hilaalee Magu. The commission stated that for submissions via email, the total size of all attached files must not exceed 10 MB. Each candidate contesting the election is required to pay an administrative fee of MVR 5,000 and must also appoint an official election agent.
The eligibility criteria for candidates seeking election to Parliament include being a Maldivian citizen, not holding foreign citizenship, and being a Muslim of the Sunni school of thought. Additionally, candidates must be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind. Independent candidates are further required to submit a minimum of 50 signatures from registered voters within their respective constituency as evidence of support for their candidacy.
Voting for the election, scheduled for June 6, will take place from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Ballot counting is set to commence 30 minutes after the polls close. According to the Elections Commission, the official results will be announced on Monday, June 8, 2026. Application forms and other necessary documentation for candidates are now available for download on the Commission's website.
So far, the candidates who have entered the race for this constituency include Mohamed Sinan, representing the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), who previously lost his seat due to debt-related issues. The main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), is fielding former Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe) as its candidate.
