Former Hithadhoo North MP Sinan launches fresh campaign for the PNC ticket following his removal from Parliament

Mohamed Sinan, the former MP for Hithadhoo North who lost his parliamentary seat on Tuesday, has announced that he will contest the Progressive Party of Maldives (PNC) primary for the upcoming by‑election in his constituency.

The Supreme Court ruled that Sinan had vacated his seat after determining that he had violated constitutional requirements for MPs by failing to repay a court‑ordered debt. The ruling marked the first case before the Supreme Court concerning the loss of a seat in the 20th Parliament.

Following the verdict, the PNC opened applications for candidates seeking to contest the Hithadhoo North by‑election. In a post on social media on Tuesday evening, Sinan confirmed that he would seek the party ticket again and appealed to PNC members in the constituency for their support.

With Sinan’s removal, the PNC’s parliamentary strength has dropped from 75 to 74 members.

Under election laws, a vacant parliamentary seat must be declared within five days, and a by‑election must be held within 60 days. The Elections Commission has scheduled the Hithadhoo North by‑election for June 6.

Former Addu City mayor Abdulla Sodhiq (Sobe) has also expressed interest in contesting the seat. Speaking to Sun, Sobe said he has served the city for more than a decade and that many residents have encouraged him to run.