Polling underway in council by-elections in six islands

Polling is underway in by-elections in six islands on Saturday, to elect members to vacancies in local councils.

Polls opened at 08:00 am, and are set to close at 04:00 pm.

Polling is underway in the six islands, as well as in a polling station set up at the Dharubaaruge, in the capital, Male’ City.

The by-elections:

• The election of a female member to the HA. Thakandhoo Council
• The election of a member to the HA. Utheemu Council
• The election of a member to the N. Landhoo Council
• The election of a member to the N. Velidhoo Council
• The election of a female member to the R. Innamaadhoo Council
• The election of a president to the M. Maduvvari Council

The Elections Commission (EC) has repeatedly expressed concern over the frequent resignation of members of local councils and women’s development committees – forcing the commission to hold by-elections.

In an earlier interview, EC’s chairman Fuad Thaufeeq said that three to four members resign from women’s development committees each month.

He voiced concern over the huge cost of holding by-elections to replace the members.

In 2022, a bill was submitted to change the law to allow for by-elections for vacancies to be held once a year. However, the legislature remains stymied in the Parliament.