By Maldives Insight Staff Writer | [Insert Current Date, e.g., 23 January 2024]

The Elections Commission (EC) has confirmed the receipt of 1,633 application forms for the forthcoming Local Council Elections and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) within the first week of the submission period.

Submission Breakdown

According to data released by the EC, 933 of the submitted forms were for council seats, while the remaining 700 applications were for positions on the Women’s Development Committees.

Council Seat Submissions

For council seats, political parties submitted a total of 750 forms. Of these, 617 applications were deemed eligible and accepted by the commission, with 113 forms being rejected due to failing to meet the specified criteria. The EC further noted that 41 of these ineligible applicants have since resubmitted their forms. Independent candidates accounted for 203 submissions for council positions, with 133 of these applications successfully accepted.

Women’s Development Committee Submissions

Applications for Women’s Development Committees saw 565 submissions from political parties, leading to the acceptance of 488 forms. Independent candidates submitted 135 forms for WDC roles, of which 86 were approved.

Application Period Details

The Elections Commission initiated the application process for these elections on the 17th of this month. Forms are accepted daily from 08:30 to 15:30, with the exception of Fridays. On Fridays, the submission window is from 15:30 to 18:00.