Application portal opens for Local Council and WDC elections

Elections Commission (EC) has officially launched the online portal for candidates wishing to contest in the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections. 

In an announcement regarding the elections scheduled for April 4, 2026, EC stated that the portal is now live to allow candidates to upload and save necessary documentation in advance. 

However, formal submission of applications will only be permitted once the official window for candidacy opens. The EC explained that opening the portal early is intended to provide candidates with ample time to complete their information and ensure all required paperwork is accurately uploaded.

Candidates can access the dedicated portal at my.elections.gov.mv using their personal eFaas accounts. For those contesting on behalf of a political party, the portal will trigger an endorsement request to the respective party. These parties will then process and approve the candidate's endorsement through the "Simedha" portal. 

This streamlined digital approach is part of the commission's efforts to modernize the election process and reduce administrative hurdles for participants.

The requirements for independent candidates remain more stringent; those running for local councils must secure the support of at least 50 registered voters from their specific constituency. 

Once a candidate enters the ID card and phone numbers of their supporters into the system, the EC will notify those individuals via SMS. The supporters must then log in to the portal using their own eFaas accounts to officially accept or decline the support request. 

Notably, candidates contesting for the Women’s Development Committees are exempt from this requirement to gather 50 signatures.