The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has stated that being able to hold the by-elections of women’s development committees (WDCs) once a year has resulted in a significant reduction in state expenditure.
Speaking to PSM News, President of ECM Fuad Thaufeeq said that the legal amendment to hold by-elections once a year is a huge relief for the state and voters. He highlighted that the electoral body previously had to spend a huge amount of funds on officials and the transportation of equipment to the atolls, as two or three elections were being held every month. He, however, said that the change has reduced the expenditure by one-third.
The amendment also allows ECM to focus on preparing for the presidential election to be held on September 9. The electoral body is currently working on finalising the voters' list and determining the locations to place the ballot boxes.
In November 2022, the Parliament passed the amendment bill to the Local Council Elections Act to hold the by-elections of WDCs once a year. The amendment changed the law which stated that ECM is required to hold a by-election within 60 days after a WDC member resigns. The amendment allowed ECM to hold an election within 365 days and also states that by-elections should be held within 300-365 days from each other.
The amendment bill was proposed to reduce the state expenditure after ECM expressed concern over having to hold back-to-back by-elections for WDCs as members frequently 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.