The Elections Commission (EC) has extended voting hours for the North Hithadhoo constituency by-election until 5:00 p.m. today due to long queues at polling stations.

Statistics released by the commission reveal that 2,055 voters had cast their ballots as of 3:00 p.m., representing 49.87 per cent of eligible voters. The figure includes 976 men and 1,079 women. The EC said no additional voters will be allowed to join the queue after 5:00 p.m., although those already in line at that time will be permitted to cast their ballots before polling stations close.

Vote counting is scheduled to begin 30 minutes after ballot boxes are closed. The by-election is being held to elect a representative for the North Hithadhoo constituency, with a total of 4,121 eligible voters comprising 2,073 women and 2,048 men.

Seven ballot boxes have been placed for the election, including two at Dharumavantha School in Malé and five at Hithadhoo School in Addu City.