Maldives held Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, and a national referendum on 4 April 2026, with turnout reaching 73 percent.
According to the Elections Commission, 214,898 people voted out of 253,714 eligible voters. This is the highest turnout recorded in a Local Council Election and higher than around 67 percent in 2021.
MDP wins across cities
The Maldivian Democratic Party secured all five mayoral seats and majorities in city councils and WDCs. All five mayors were re-elected incumbents.
Most races were clear, but Thinadhoo was close, with a margin of about 50 votes.
Referendum result
Voters rejected the proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day.
Preliminary figures show about 72 percent voted against the move, while 28 percent supported it.
Reactions
President Mohamed Muizzu said he accepts the result. “The government will undertake the necessary efforts to align actions with the will of the people.”
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the outcome reflects public opinion. “The people have voiced their disapproval… the government should heed the public’s voice.”
Turnout was high and results were clear across all three votes, pointing to strong participation and a decisive outcome.
