The Elections Commission of the Maldives (EC) has officially commenced the distribution of ballot boxes and essential voting materials to the islands ahead of the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections. The nationwide elections are scheduled to take place on April 4.

According to the Commission, logistical operations for 347 designated polling stations began today via both air and sea transport. Materials destined for Ha. Atoll, R. Atoll, Th. Atoll, L. Atoll, Ga. Atoll, and Gdh. Atoll, as well as the cities of Addu and Fuvahmulah, are being dispatched by air. Meanwhile, sea transport is being utilized to reach Hdh, Sh, N, B, Lh, Aa, Ad, V, M, F, and Dh Atolls. Distribution for islands within Male’ Atoll is slated for March 30 and 31.

This electoral cycle also includes a significant public referendum. Citizens will be asked to cast their votes on whether the Presidential and Parliamentary elections should be held concurrently in the future, a proposed move aimed at streamlining the national electoral process.