MDA candidate Shahid granted right to participate in Meedhoo election case after disputed vote ruling

The High Court has unanimously accepted the motion submitted by Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) candidate Mohamed Shahid to intervene in the case filed over the recent local council elections.  

One of the most contentious constituencies in the elections held on the 4th of this month was the Dh. Meedhoo constituency. According to the provisional results announced by the Election Commission (EC), ruling PNC candidate Suha Ibrahim received 393 votes, while MDA candidate Shahid received 392 votes.  

However, the MDA lodged a complaint with the EC after discovering that an ineligible person had voted at a polling station in L. Fonadhoo.  

After reviewing the matter, the EC Complaints Bureau unanimously declared the disputed vote invalid and removed it from the results.  

Following a recount, Shahid won the seat by a margin of one vote. The official results showed Suha with 391 votes and Shahid with 392.  

PNC candidate Suha subsequently filed a case in the High Court challenging the result. The case has been registered.  

The High Court unanimously accepted Shahid’s motion to intervene, noting that he has a direct interest in the case and could risk losing his rights if excluded.  

The High Court bench hearing the case comprises Chief Judge Ismail Shafeeu, Judge Abdulla Jameel Moosa, and Judge Hassan Shafeeu. Hearings have not yet begun.  

Under Article 172(h) of the Constitution, any individual may submit a complaint to the court regarding an election or its results. Under Article 64 of the General Elections Act, the High Court has first‑instance jurisdiction over electoral cases, and its decisions may be appealed to the Supreme Court.  

Under Article 66 of the General Elections Act, an election case must be filed within 14 days from the date the official results are announced.