Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has begun accepting applications for voter re-registration to fill 5 of the 10 committees left vacant after the Women's Development Committee Election (WDCE).
Director Shahula Ismail said ECM has begun accepting online applications for the first time and that the electoral body will continue to allow online applications for re-registration in future elections as well. Allowing online applications in the WDC by-elections will provide the experience necessary for ECM to establish means to accept online applications for major elections, she said.
Voters wishing to re-register are required to submit the applications along with the necessary documents at the ECM website before July 26. Only residents of Nolhivaram, Kendhikulhudhoo, Dhiffushi, and Feridhoo are allowed to re-register. The WDC by-election will be held on August 7, stated ECM.
The other 5 of the 10 committees that were left vacant after the WDCE have been filled without a by-election after the minimum number of candidates had registered. The candidates who won these seats are five members from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), five members from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), three members from the Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), as well as several independent members.