The Parliament of the Maldives has passed the amendment bill to the Local Council Elections Act requiring the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) to notify individuals of their candidacy within five days. The amendment bill passed with 52 votes in favour.
The amendment bill to the Local Council Elections Act was proposed by Parliamentarian Ibrahim Nazil on behalf of the government. The bill proposes to allow the ECM to respond in writing to an individual's candidacy within five days after receiving the form. The individual also has the right to file a court case if dissatisfied with the electoral body's decision.
The Elections General Act states that individuals must be notified within 48 hours of their candidacy. However, the amendment bill to the Local Council Elections Act was proposed to extend the time frame in which the ECM can decide on an individual's candidacy for the local council elections.