The Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has held the by-election of two women's development committees (WDCs).
The by-elections were held for the WDCs of Magoodhoo in Noonu Atoll and Kalaidhoo in Laamu Atoll. Voting for the by-elections was carried out in three ballot stations, including a ballot station each in Magoodhoo School and Kalaidhoo School, and one ballot station located in Imaduddin School for residents of both islands living in Male’ City.
The Parliament of the Maldives has recently passed the amendment bill to hold the by-elections of WDCs once a year. ECM has expressed concern over having to hold back-to-back by-elections for WDCs as members resign from their posts after being elected. The electoral body revealed that USD240,000 has been spent on by-elections for local councils and WDCs in the past two years. The amendment bill is expected to significantly reduce the state expenditure on holding back-to-back elections.