Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has announced it will hold by-elections for Women's Development Committees (WDCs) of another three constituencies on October 16.
Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb said the electoral body is now making final preparations for the by-elections.
The by-elections will be held to fill vacant WDC seats of Kendhikulhudhoo in Noonu Atoll, Neykurendhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Maduvvari in Raa Atoll. ECM is also preparing to hold WDC by-elections on October 30 for Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Kurendhoo in Lhaviyani Atoll. Additionally, members have been appointed for vacant WDC seats in Huraa in Kaafu Atoll and Magoodhoo in Noonu Atoll without an election, after the minimum number of candidates applied for the positions.
ECM has expressed concern over the lack of interest in the vacant WDC seats and highlighted the difficulties in repeatedly holding by-elections. The government has hiked the salaries of WDC members due to the lack of interest in the positions and the resignation of some members.