Khaleel wins by larger margin following recount

A recount of the votes for Faafu Nilandhoo at the Parliamentary Election 2014 has increased the number of votes gained by independent candidate Abdulla Khaleel - by one.

Results announced earlier showed that Khaleel had won Nilandhoo election with 645 votes, by a difference of one vote, against incumbent Nilandhoo MP Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Abdul Muhsin, who received 644 votes.

Following complaints that observers had noted that a vote cast in favour of Khaleel was counted as a vote for Muhsin, Elections Commission started recounting Nilandhoo votes today.

The latest preliminary result for Nilandhoo, after the recount, shows that Khaleel received 646 votes while Muhsin received 643 votes.

Five candidates ran for Nilandhoo seat at the Parliamentary Election held on Saturday.

Recounting of the 50 ballot boxes for Nilandhoo is ongoing at National University, and 44 boxes have been recounted by 4:00 p.m.

Elections Commission said that recounting will resume tonight when the remaining six boxes arrive in Male’.

Muhsin told Sun Online that he does not accept the result and that he is considering pressing charges.

Some unrest took place between supporters of Khaleel and Muhsin in the room while votes were being recounted.