The Elections Commission has scheduled the draw to allocate candidate numbers for the by-election in the North Hithadhoo constituency for 6 May.

The Commission said the draw will be held at its training hall.

Two candidates are contesting the by-election.

The People’s National Congress (PNC) had initially selected former MP Mohamed Sinan as its candidate through a primary. However, Sinan later withdrew from the race, stating that stepping aside would give the party a stronger chance of securing the seat.

Speaking at a press conference, PNC Deputy Leader and Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam said there was insufficient time for another primary, adding that the party has nominated Hithadhoo Moolekede Councilor Ahmed Saeed, who also contested in the initial vote.

In a social media post, Sinan thanked the party’s leadership for their support following the primary. He said that after consulting with constituents over the past three days, he concluded that allowing another candidate to contest would improve the party’s chances of winning the seat.

The by-election for the North Hithadhoo constituency is scheduled for 6 June. The deadline for submitting candidacy forms was set at 3:00 p.m. on 2 May.