The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced the completion of printing 6,172 ballot papers for the second round of the local council and Women’s Development Committee elections, scheduled for 18 April.
The ballots, once again printed by Novelty Printers and Publishers Pvt Ltd—the same firm responsible for the 888,845 papers used in the first round—are set for distribution across several island constituencies.
This weekend’s vote will fill two vacant island council seats and three seats on Women’s Development Committees. The commission specified that of the total, 1,784 ballots are designated for the council elections, while 4,388 have been printed for the Women’s Development Committee polls.
The breakdown per constituency includes—Dhonfanu in Baa Atoll with 460 council ballots, Fuvahmulah Dhandimagu with 1,324, Kelaa in Haa Alifu Atoll has 1,742 committee ballots, Neykurendhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll has 1,069, and Maavah in Laamu Atoll has 1,577.
To facilitate the democratic process, a total of 14 ballot boxes will be deployed. Two polling stations each will be established in Kelaa, Maavah, and Fuvahmulah, with single stations in Neykurendhoo and Dhonfanu. Six additional polling stations will be set up in Male’ City to accommodate voters from these constituencies who are residing in the capital.
Ballot boxes for Kelaa and Dhonfanu will be located at Thajuddeen School, Neykurendhoo and Maavah at Hiriyaa School, and Fuvahmulah Dhandimagu at Dharumavantha School.
With 6,093 eligible voters registered, the ECM has confirmed all logistical arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process.