MP Faris recognizes defeat in contest for North-Machangolhi seat
MP Faris comes a close second to Maldivian Democratic Party candidate Mohamed Rasheed
Incumbent MP for Dhiggaru constituency, Faris Maumoon
Dhiggaru constituency MP Faris Maumoon has acknowledged the electoral victory of his opponent for the North-Machangolhi parliament seat, Mohamed ‘Boadhigu’ Rasheed.
MP Faris recognized Rasheed’s victory as ballot boxes are being counted and interim results roll in from electoral monitors.
Results of three ballot boxes for the North-Mahchangolhi constituency show a significant lead for Rasheed, with Faris following in second place.
The remaining four candidates for the constituency, Jameela Ali Khalid from the opposition Progressive Party and independent candidates Adam 'Sarangu' Manik, Mohamed Zameel, and Aiminath Shirunaa, fall far behind.
Rasheed is a candidate of the government coalition's Maldivian Democratic Party, while Faris represents the Maumoon Reform Movement, a coalition partner and political alliegance led by his father, former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Polling stations in Saturday’s parliamentary election closed at 18:00, two hours after the initially set time.
The Elections Commission of the Maldives, which earlier said that interim results will be announced at 21:00, has said that this delay will also push back releasing the results.
