The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has finalised preparations for the second round of voting in the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, scheduled for 18 April.
The run-off polling has been necessitated in five specific constituencies where initial voting resulted in a tie, with more than one candidate receiving an equal number of votes. To facilitate this crucial phase, the ECM will establish a total of 14 ballot boxes for the second round of voting..
The second round will determine the outcome for key positions, including the women's member seat for the Dhonfanu Island Council (Baa Atoll) and the women's councilor seat for the Dhandimagu constituency in the Fuvahmulah City Council. Additionally, it will decide the election for council Chairperson in Kelaa (Haa Alifu Atoll) and as well as a member position for the WDC in Maavah (Laamu Atoll) and Neykurendhoo (Haa Dhaalu Atoll).
Of the 14 polling stations, two will be set up in each of Kelaa, Maavah, and Fuvahmulah City, with one each in Neykurendhoo and Dhonfanu. Recognising the significant number of registered voters residing in the capital, the ECM will also establish six additional polling stations in Male’ City. Specific Male’ locations include Thaajuddeen School for Kelaa and Dhonfanu voters, Hiriyaa School for those from Neykurendhoo and Maavah, and Dharumavantha School for voters of the Dhandimagu constituency.
The ECM has issued an important reminder to voters explaining that those who registered to vote in Male’ during the first round do not need to re-register and must cast their ballots at the designated stations in the capital. Voters who are permanently registered on an island other than where they currently reside but did not re-register for a different location will be required to vote at the polling station of their permanent address.