Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has stated individuals who turn 18 on the day of voting at the upcoming Local Council Elections (LCE) and Women’s Development Committee Elections (WDCE) will be able to cast their vote.
In response to claims that people who turn on 18 on voting day will not be able to vote, President of ECM Ahmed Shareef said there is no question on the eligibility of individuals who are at least 18 years of age on the day of voting. Noting the Constitution of the Maldives grants the right for every individual over the age of 18 to cast their vote, Shareef said individuals who turn 18 on voting day will be able to vote.
Speaking further, Shareef noted some people have been raising questions on the decision not to allow the candidacy of people who have turned 18 since the date at which the election was originally scheduled to be held last year. He noted the law does not allow candidacy to be reopened after closing it, even if the election is postponed.
The local council election is scheduled to be held on April 10. The election has been postponed by an year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.