MDP interim chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa said the Hithadhoo North by-election result shows the public wants freedom, sincerity and accountability from political leaders, after MDP candidate Abdulla Sodiq defeated PNC candidate Ahmed Saeed. Ghafoor alleged campaign pressure on MDP members, including suspension letters to some activists, and said MDP's seat count in the People's Majlis rose to 13.
One outlet so far Only Atoll Times has reported this among the sources we monitor. A gap in what we monitor, not proof that others did not report it.
His remarks came after MDP candidate Abdulla Sodiq won the Hithadhoo North seat in Saturday's by-election, defeating People's National Congress (PNC) candidate Ahmed Saeed.
Word for word from the report in Atoll Times. Open the report
Today, the true stance of the Maldivian people has been revealed. This government left no stone unturned in its efforts to win this election. Yet our candidate won this seat by a significant margin
The people want to see freedom, sincerity and loyalty being shown to them. Things are now moving in that direction.
They cannot act that way. This is the Maldivian state. Employment opportunities within the state are an equal right belonging to everyone
The public has spoken. The message is clear.
Nothing to compare yet. If another monitored source reports it, its headline appears beside this one.
With Sodiq's victory, the number of MDP members in the current People's Majlis increases to 13.
Word for word from the report in Atoll Times. Open the report
Speaking to Dhauru after the vote count concluded, Ghafoor said the result reflected the views of voters despite what he described as extensive efforts by the government to secure the seat.
Word for word from the report in Atoll Times. Open the report