The President’s post of the Kaafu Guraidhoo Council has been secured by the candidate representing the People’s National Congress (PNC), bringing the party’s total uncontested seats in the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections to 70.

The Elections Commission announced on Thursday that Ibrahim Shaleez was declared elected under Article 24 of the Local Council Elections Act after the nomination period for the April 4 Local Council elections concluded with no other eligible candidates contesting the post.

Ibrahim Shaleez contested on a PNC ticket and currently serves as Deputy President of the Kaafu Guraidhoo Council.

An independent candidate had also submitted a nomination for the post. However, the Elections Commission rejected the candidacy. The matter was subsequently filed at the Supreme Court, which declined to proceed with the case. The Commission formalised its decision after the court’s ruling.

With the Guraidhoo seat confirmed, the PNC has now secured 70 seats uncontested ahead of the polls. Of these, 29 are Local Council seats and 41 are Women’s Development Committee seats.

The uncontested council president posts include Haa Alifu Baarah, Alifu Alifu Himandhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Kun’burudhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Mandhoo, Haa Dhaalu Dhidhdhoo and Lhaviyani Mundoo.

Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), contesting against the PNC, has secured six seats uncontested.