The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has decided to conduct by-elections for Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) for another three islands.
ECM has decided to hold by-elections on July 23 for the vacant WDC slots of Innamaadhoo in Raa Atoll, Vandhoo in Thaa Atoll, and Hithadhoo in Addu City. Interested individuals are required to submit their candidacies by June 11.
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has opened candidacies to participate in the primaries of the by-elections. MDP stated that interested members must submit their request letter with a copy of their identification card by June 6.
ECM earlier announced that by-elections for WDCs will be held for five islands on July 2. The by-elections are to be held for the vacant WDC slots of Vashafaru in Haa Alifu Atoll, Lhaimagu, and Komandoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll, and Thoddoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll.
ECM has expressed concern over the regular vacancies of WDCs and the lack of interest in contesting for the vacant posts, forcing a significant expenditure on conducting frequent by-elections. The electoral body also noted the difficulties in conducting back-to-back elections and revealed plans to work on a legal solution for this issue.
In January, the government increased the salaries of WDC members to solve the issue of elected members resigning from their posts and the lack of interest in the position.