A total of 13 candidates for the local council elections, now slated for April 15th, have been elected by default, the Election Commission said.

The Commission said that the candidates were given the seats they had contested to without vote because the cases met the guidelines put forth under Article 24 of the Local Council Elections Act.

This includes candidates who are the sole contestants for seats - namely Hussein Hassan, who contested to a council seat in Nolhivaram island of Haa Dhaal Atoll.

The Commission further said that there were five councils that had a single contestant for each seat, requiring that they be given office without vote.

Three candidates contesting independently for the council in Kinolhahu of Raa atoll, three candidates contesting for Dhiddhoo in Alif Dhaalu atoll, three candidates for Raimandhoo in Meemu atoll, and three candidates for Guraidhoo of Thaa atoll have been elected in this manner.

This makes up seven candidates contesting independently, five from the ruling party, and one opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate.