People’s National Congress (PNC) candidate Ismail Athif has secured the position of President of the Alifu Alifu Mathiveri Council.

Mathiveri, long regarded as a stronghold of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), saw Athif win the council presidency after defeating incumbent council president Ahmed Aslam, who contested on an MDP ticket.

The preliminary results show that Athif secured 343 votes, while Aslam received 214 votes. Independent candidate Ali Riza obtained 45 votes.

In addition, PNC candidate Hussain Nihaan was elected to the council with 307 votes.

The women’s reserved seat was also secured by a PNC candidate, with Fathimath Shaiha Fahumy receiving 278 votes.