Candidates from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) have secured nine out of ten seats in the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections in Gaafu Alifu Gemanafushi.

In the elections held on Saturday, Ismail Yaameen was elected President of the Gemanafushi Council after securing 585 votes. His opponent, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Ibrahim Nashid, received 330 votes.

Of the two seats reserved for women in the council, one was won by PNC candidate Zainath Mohamed with 435 votes. The other seat was secured by an independent candidate, with PNC candidate Aishath Shurufa narrowly missing out by just three votes.

The remaining two council member seats were also won by PNC candidates. Adam Haleem secured 463 votes, while Abdul Hannan received 429 votes.

In the Women’s Development Committee elections, PNC candidates secured all five seats.

Aishath Misga was elected President of the WDC with 593 votes. The other elected members are Fathimath Anjoona, Hawwa Adhila, Aishath Azuha, and Fathimath Zilma.

Anjoona received 591 votes, Adhila secured 566 votes, Azuha obtained 498 votes, and Zilma received 451 votes.