Male, 05 April (H.S.):

President Mohamed Muizzu's ruling People's National Congress (PNC) faced a stinging setback in Maldives' pivotal constitutional referendum and mayoral elections, with the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) securing a decisive edge and exposing cracks in the government's grip.

Preliminary tallies show 70% of counted votes rejecting the referendum proposal—tied to a February 10 parliamentary amendment for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls in 2028 with fixed terms. Turnout reached 60.8% among 294,876 eligible voters, yielding 175,673 valid votes: 68.73% against, 31.27% for.

In mayoral races across five cities, MDP swept all seats, including Male where incumbent Adam Azim clinched a second term. PNC grabbed 220 of 498 council seats (MDP: 207) and led Women's Development Committees, but the urban rout signals urban discontent.

Saturday's triple polls -local councils, WDCs, and referendum—served as a litmus test for Muizzu amid economic woes and India-China tensions. Jubilant MDP backers thronged Male's Artificial Beach, heralding a potential shift ahead of official results expected late evening.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar