Digital Shift in Local Council Elections as March 2026 Date Confirmed and Filing Opens in January

The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has formally announced the date and operational framework for the 2026 Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, unveiling a schedule that prioritises early logistical coordination, administrative rigour, and a decisive shift toward digital candidate registration.

Appearing on PSM News’ 'Raajje Miadhu' programme, ECM President Mohamed Zahid confirmed that both elections will be held on 28 March 2026. The candidacy application period is scheduled to open on 17 January 2026.

Zahid described the local council and WDC elections as the most administratively intensive undertakings within the commission’s remit, necessitating extensive preparations. In response, the ECM has initiated early-stage planning to ensure procedural integrity and operational fluidity.

A central reform in the upcoming electoral process is the digitisation of candidate submissions. Prospective candidates will be required to submit their documentation via a dedicated ECM online portal, replacing the traditional paper-based method.

“We are developing the arrangements to be carried out digitally and online with the intent to launch the system even before the election is announced and before candidacy is formally opened,” Zahid said.

“This proactive approach aims to allow interested individuals to become familiar with the portal, prepare all necessary documentation, and subsequently minimise the difficulties and challenges that often arise during the final moments of the submission period.”

To support the scale of the election, the commission anticipates the deployment of approximately 270 temporary personnel. Of these, 110 individuals will serve as trainers and are required to undergo internal training.

“Approximately 110 individuals are required to serve as trainers. These personnel must also receive internal training. Since applications were opened, we have currently received submissions from approximately 115 individuals,” Zahid said.

“We are presently conducting the recruitment process for these individuals to serve as trainers. This involves interviewing every applicant and ensuring they qualify through the rigorous interview process,” he continued.

Recruitment is also underway for island-level focal points, tasked with establishing administrative arrangements in each locality. “Concurrently, the selection of focal points, who must be appointed from every island, is also moving forward. These individuals are responsible for establishing the necessary island-level administrative arrangements in each respective locality,” Zahid stated.

The ECM estimates the total cost of conducting the council election to range between USD 4.54 million and USD 5.19 million.

Public engagement forms another pillar of the commission’s strategy. ECM teams are scheduled to conduct awareness sessions in 36 islands across 12 atolls during November and December, focusing on areas with large populations. These sessions will provide essential information about the electoral process and underscore the importance of voter participation.

The campaign will be conducted in collaboration with independent institutions and civil society organisations. The commission also plans to utilise various media platforms to broaden outreach and ensure citizens are well-informed ahead of the polls.