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EC opens applications for local council election

Mariyam Malsa
05 February 2020, MVT 10:17
Members of the Elections Commission (EC) at a press conference. PHOTO: HUSSAIN WAHEED/MIHAARU
Mariyam Malsa
05 February 2020, MVT 10:17

Elections Commission (EC) on Tuesday opened applications for the Local Council Election and Women's Development Committee (WDC) election, scheduled for April 4.

EC Vice President Ahmed Akram revealed that applications for the local council elections would be closed on February 20 while individuals interesting in contesting in the WDC elections had until February 24 to submit their candidacy.

Highlighting that this marked the first occasion that Maldives held two elections simultaneously, Akram stated that more than 1,900 representatives would be chosen from among the estimated 6,000 contestants.

Akram stated that EC's main concerns centred around a possible increase of null votes following changes to the voting procedure for the local council elections.

Revealing that EC had commenced efforts to educate the voting population regarding the matter, the elections watchdog also urged non-government organizations and political parties to work towards increasing public awareness.

Furthermore, Akram stated that more than 540 ballot boxes would be established for the concurrent elections with 6,500 to 7,000 individuals serving as observers and officials for the commission.

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