Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has stated six candidates will be running in the Women's Development Committee (WDC) by-elections in two islands.
The WDC by-elections were initially scheduled to be held in three islands on February 5, along with the parliamentary by-election for the Komandoo constituency. However, an independent candidate has won the WDC by-election in Thakandhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, after being the only one to have vied for the seat.
ECM is scheduled to hold by-elections in Vilufushi, Thaa Atoll, and in Gemanafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, as some of the WDC seats were vacated for various reasons. A candidate from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and an independent candidate will be running in the Vilufushi by-election, while a candidate from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and three independent candidates will be running in the Gemanafushi by-election.
ECM has closed the applications to become monitors and observers in the by-elections. The electoral body has expressed concern over the vacant WDC seats and the lack of interest in the positions.