Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has conducted by-elections for vacant seats at Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) of three islands.
The WDC by-elections were held for WDCs of Maduvvari in Raa Atoll, Neykurendhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Kendhikulhudhoo in Noonu Atoll. Voting was carried out until 1500hrs on October 16.
Meanwhile, ECM is also preparing to conduct WDC by-elections for Villingili, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Kurendhoo, Lhaviyani Atoll on October 30. ECM had also opened candidacy applications for WDC by-elections of Huraa, Kaafu Atoll and Magoodhoo, Noonu Atoll, but the seats were won without an election as the number of candidates matched the number of seats to be contested.
ECM had expressed concern over having to conduct frequent by-elections and the lack of interest in contesting for the vacant seats. Several WDC seats have been vacated following the resignation of members elected earlier this year. Due to the lack of interest to contest for these seats, the government has decided to increase the salary of WDC members starting from next year.