The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has stated that the Male' mayoral by-election will be held on January 13.
The by-election was scheduled after Dr. Mohamed Muizzu resigned as Mayor of Male' City after being elected as President. A total of four seats in the Male' City Council has been vacated after the resignation of Abdull Nasir, Adam Rameez, and Fathimath Shamnaaz Ali Saleem. ECM is required to hold an election within 60 days after a council seat is vacated.
Speaking to PSM News, Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb said that on January 13, the electoral body will hold by-elections for the mayor of Male' City and three members of the Male' City Council as well as a by-election for a member of the Rakeedhoo Island Council and 18 members of women's development committees. The opportunity to contest in the elections will be open from November 28 to December 13. ECM is expected to announce the final results within two days after the elections.
Individuals who have expressed interest in contesting the Male' mayoral by-election include former Attorney General Azima Shakoor, former Minister Ahmed Mahloof, former Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed, and Mohamed Saif Fathih of The Democrats. Interested individuals are required to submit their candidacy forms to the ECM with their debt and criminal records. They are also required to submit a declaration of endorsement if they are running as a political party's candidate.