Elections Commission (EC) President Mohamed Zahid has announced that the Local Council Elections and the Women’s Development Committee Elections will be held on March 28 next year.
Speaking on PSM’s Raajje Miadhu show, Zahid said preparations are already underway to hold the elections smoothly and on time. He said candidacy will open on January 17, and for the first time, candidates will be able to apply online through the EC’s portal.
Zahid noted that these are some of the most challenging elections to organize, as they involve many constituencies across the country. The EC will need about 270 staff members to manage the elections, and recruitment has already begun.
He said the elections are expected to cost between MVR 70 million and MVR 80 million.
To get more people involved, the EC plans to hold awareness sessions in 32 islands across 12 atolls from November to December. These sessions, run in partnership with NGOs and other institutions, will focus on the importance of voting and how people can take part.
Zahid added that the EC will also use social media and other media outlets to share information and encourage voter participation in the lead-up to the polls.
