The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has acknowledged its defeat in Sunday’s parliamentary elections and congratulated the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on its substantial electoral victory.
Preliminary results indicate that the PNC has secured a commanding majority with an anticipated 68 seats in Parliament, while the MDP is expected to secure approximately 12 seats. This result marks a sharp decline from the 2019 parliamentary elections when MDP achieved a supermajority.
MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, also a former Economic Minister, expressed his sentiments on the social media platform X, congratulating the PNC and expressing gratitude towards the MDP campaign workers. Despite the setback, Ismail emphasised the party’s commitment to working closely with communities and pledged that MDP MPs would work with the government to promote democratic values and maintain governmental accountability.
Abdulla Shahid, MDP President and former Foreign Minister, echoed Ismail’s commitment, asserting that MDP MPs would fulfill their duties with “utmost determination.”
This electoral outcome follows the MDP’s loss in last year’s presidential election, continuing its trend of electoral challenges since its 2018-2023 governance period. The shift in parliamentary power suggests a realignment in the Maldives’ political landscape, with the PNC and its coalition partners consolidating control.
The elections, marking the 20th People’s Majlis, were notable not only for the political shift but also for the record-low voter turnout. Only 75 percent of the eligible 284,663 voters participated, marking the lowest engagement in recent history. In contrast, previous elections saw higher participation, with 81.32 percent turnout in 2019, 78.80 percent in 2014, and 78.15 percent in 2009.
