In the local council elections scheduled for April 4, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has secured four island council president positions without a single vote being cast, as no competing candidates filed to run against them.

The unopposed positions include Ha. Utheemu Council, where incumbent President Abdullah Rasheed will continue in his role, and Ha. Baarah Council, where Ali Shameem has been confirmed as president.

In Addu Atoll, two council presidencies also went to PNC candidates unopposed: Mohamed Saeed, the current president of Addu Mandu Council, and Anees Mohamed, a current council member, who secured the presidency of Addu Dhiddhoo Council.

These seats were confirmed for PNC as neither opposition parties nor independent candidates filed nominations for these constituencies. In addition to the council presidencies, PNC also secured women’s development committee seats and women-specific council seats in Dhiddhoo without contest.

While these candidates have secured their positions, the Elections Commission has not yet made an official announcement confirming the results.