In a display of continued support for the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), the party secured victories in four out of the six by-elections held on Saturday to fill vacant council positions in several local islands.

The by-elections, which took place across various constituencies, saw the PNC emerge victorious in key races.

In H.A. Utheemu, PNC candidate Ibrahim Sunaan clinched the vacant council position, defeating rival candidate Mohamed Auf of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Similarly, in N. Velidhoo, PNC candidate Abdulla Abdul Razzaq secured victory over MDP's Aiminath Shifaza by a significant margin of votes.

Additionally, PNC candidate Rahuma Abdulla emerged as the winner in the election for the female council member's position in H.A. Thakandhoo, while Aishath Samaaha secured victory in R. Innamaadhoo.

While the PNC celebrated its successes in these constituencies, the main opposition MDP secured victory in N. Landhoo's council seat, with candidate Abdulla Arif emerging victorious.

The Democrats also secured a win in M. Maduvvari's council president's position, with candidate Mohamed Azim Ali prevailing.

These by-elections come amid a backdrop of frequent resignations by council members, leading to increased vacancies in local councils and Women's Development Committees (WDC).

Despite the pressing need for a solution to address this issue, a resolution remains elusive.