HRCM says Meedhoo by-election was peaceful, notes lack of disability access at polling stations

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has stated that the by-election held Saturday for the post of Dh. Meedhoo council president was conducted peacefully and securely.

HRCM said it monitored the vote as part of its legal mandate to oversee the protection and delivery of human rights, and assessed whether the election was free, fair and transparent.

According to the commission, polling proceeded without major issues, and the overall process was carried out in a calm and orderly manner. HRCM also noted the role of the police in assisting the Election Commission, as well as the efforts of candidates, political parties and voters in maintaining a democratic environment.

However, the commission highlighted one concern: neither of the two polling stations in Meedhoo had easy access for people with disabilities, despite otherwise adequate arrangements.

The by-election was won by the ruling PNC candidate Suha Ibrahim.

Suha contested against Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) candidate Mohamed Shahid. A total of 1,049 people were eligible to vote, and according to provisional results, Suha won by a wide margin.

Three ballot boxes were placed for the vote, all three were won by Suha.

Of the 985 people who voted, Suha received 529 votes while Shahid received 449. Seven votes were invalid. Suha therefore secured victory by a margin of 80 votes.

With this result, the PNC now holds an absolute majority in the Dh. Meedhoo council.