Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has opened the opportunity for candidates contesting in local council elections (LCE) to withdraw their names from contention.
ECM said the opportunity for the candidates to withdraw their candidacies has been opened, in accordance with the Special Act on Local Council Elections. ECM added the opportunity also applies for candidates contesting in the women's development committee (WDC) elections, which are to be held in parallel with the LCE. The electoral body said the deadline for withdrawing names would be announced at least 10 days in advance.
The LCE and WDC elections were originally scheduled to be held on April 4. The list of candidates contesting in the elections were published on March 6. Despite the postponement of elections to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Special Act on Local Council Elections states the original candidates list must remain in place, with the exception of individuals who decide to withdraw their candidacies.
ECM stated candidates who wish to withdraw their names must submit the designated form via email. The form is available for download from the website of ECM as well as the Government Gazette.