The Election Commission (EC) announced on Saturday that the election for the Dh. Meedhoo Council President, which resulted in a tie, will be re-held on the 13th of next month, following a High Court decision on the matter. 

The EC opted to conduct a new vote after the High Court determined that a ballot previously declared invalid was actually valid. This led to both candidates surpassing the required number of votes to win, which legally necessitates a re‑poll.

The second round of voting for the Dh. Meedhoo Council President is scheduled for the 13th of next month, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Votes will be tallied after a half-hour break once polling ends, with official results expected to be announced on Tuesday.

Dh. Meedhoo was among the most hotly contested areas in the local council elections held on the 4th of last month. Initial provisional results released by the EC showed the ruling PNC candidate, Suha Ibrahim, with 393 votes, while the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) candidate, Shahid, received 392 votes. 

However, the MDA filed a complaint after discovering that an ineligible individual had cast a vote at the Ponadu polling station. The PNC also requested a recount through a petition.

After the recount, the official results indicated Suha with 391 votes, Shahid with 392 votes, and independent candidate Ibrahim Naseem with 100 votes, making Shahid the winner. 

Suha appealed to the High Court, which ruled that the previously invalidated vote was actually valid. 

In response, the EC decided to hold a new election. The MDA has since voiced concerns over what it describes as unfair and inconsistent decisions related to the case.