Adam Azim, the candidate of opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has won the Male' City mayoral by-election.
The interim results show that Azim won with 45% of the vote while Azima Shakoor, the candidate of ruling People's National Congress (PNC), received the second highest number of votes with 29%. Others who vied for the mayoral seat included Saif Fathih, the candidate of The Democrats, and independent candidates Hussain Waheed and Ali Shuaib.
A total of 55 ballot boxes were placed for the Male' City mayoral by-election. Around 30% of the 54,680 eligible voting population had come out to cast their ballot.
The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) noted that the voter turnout was lower compared to the last local council election, which saw 40% of the eligible voting population in Male' cast their ballot.
The position of Male’ City mayor became vacant after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu resigned to assume office in November.