Adheem secures Mahchangolhi North PNC ticket after one‑vote victory over Euppe

Adam Adheem has won the PNC primary for the Mahchangolhi North constituency, defeating film star Yoosuf Shafeeu Ali (Euppe) by a margin of one vote after a recount held in the presence of all candidates.

The primary for Mahchangolhi North was halted last month after allegations of fraudulent votes led to clashes near the polling station. As a result, the PNC announced provisional results on January 28 excluding the constituency.

Four candidates contested the seat: Adheem, Euppe, Hussain Ishaq, and Imthiyaz Mohamed.

Hajj Corporation Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel, who oversaw the primary, told *Sun* that the recount confirmed Adheem received 58 votes while Euppe received 57. Ishaq received 25 votes and Imthiyaz received 20.

Defense Ministry State Minister and PNC Secretary General Muaz Haleem said several candidates had raised concerns about the initial count, prompting the leadership to open the ballot boxes in the presence of all four candidates and their representatives.

“When it was confirmed that there was not a single ballot paper left in a box in the presence of four candidates, the candidates decided to count the difference,” Muaz said.

He added that although an agreement was reached to re‑take the vote in Mahchangolhi North, Euppe later withdrew his name. With a clear lead over the remaining candidates, the party decided to award the ticket to Adheem.

According to the provisional results of the wider PNC primary, a total of 39,798 votes were cast, of which 1,758 were invalid.

Several incumbent councilors lost their tickets, including HA. Baarah councilor Ali Shameem, HA. Filladhoo councilor Mohamed Moosa, and Male' City councilor Aishath Nazima. Gaafaru council president Mubaashir Jaleel also lost his bid for re‑election.

Meanwhile, Aminath Saliha, who currently represents Meedhoo in the Addu City Council, secured the ticket for the newly separated Addu Meedhoo Council chairperson seat.