The Elections Commission of the Maldives has confirmed the final designation of constituencies reserved for female candidates in the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections scheduled for 4 April.
Election officials said the permanent report required no substantive revisions following the public complaint period, thereby formalising the framework for the election of 629 island councillors and 52 city councillors across the country.
Council structures vary by jurisdiction. Under the island council system, 133 constituencies will elect three officials, consisting of a council president and one female member. Meanwhile, 46 larger islands will elect five representatives, which must include two women.
City councils are structured according to population size. Seven council members will be elected in Kulhudhuffushi and Thinadhoo, while 18 members will be elected to the council of the capital, Malé. Reserved seats for women are allocated through a digital clustering system designed to ensure equitable representation nationwide.
Under the electoral framework, mayors, council presidents, and committee chairpersons will be elected directly by voters. Deputy mayors, vice presidents, and deputy chairpersons will be selected internally through secret ballot votes among elected members.