People’s National Congress (PNC) has secured the presidency of the Baarah and Utheemu Island Councils in Haa Alifu Atoll without an election, as no other candidates contested the posts.

In Baarah, Ali Shameem was elected unopposed as Island Council president, while Abdulla Rasheed was confirmed as the unopposed president of the Utheemu Island Council.

Celebrating the outcome in a post on his official X account, Baarah constituency Member of Parliament Ibrahim Shujau said the people of Baarah and Utheemu would reach new heights of development under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The PNC has also secured the Island Council president seats in Alifu Dhaalu Dhidhdhoo and Manadhoo under similar circumstances.

The deadline for nominations for the Local Council Elections and Women’s Development Committee elections expired on Sunday evening.

The PNC is contesting a record number of candidates in the upcoming Local Council Elections, further expanding its presence across island councils and Women’s Development Committees nationwide.