The High Court has accepted a case challenging the election of the Dhaalu Meedhoo Council President in the recently concluded Local Council elections.

Under Article 172(a) of the Constitution, any individual has the right to submit complaints regarding an election or its results. As stipulated in the General Elections Act, the High Court has original jurisdiction over such disputes, with decisions subject to appeal at the Supreme Court. Election-related complaints must be filed within 14 days of the official announcement of results.

Provisional results released by the Elections Commission initially showed the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) candidate, Suha Ibrahim, leading with 393 votes, while Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) candidate Mohamed Shahid received 392 votes.

A complaint was subsequently lodged concerning a ballot box in Fonadhoo, alleging that an ineligible vote had been cast. Both candidates requested a recount.

Following an investigation, the Elections Commission’s Complaints Bureau ruled the disputed ballot invalid and ordered its removal from the final count. The revised results saw Mohamed Shahid of MDA secure the council presidency by a margin of one vote.

Official results show Suha Ibrahim with 391 votes and Mohamed Shahid with 392 votes.

The case has been filed by Suha Ibrahim at the High Court, contesting the revised outcome.