The Elections Commission of Maldives has authorised a procedural change for candidates in the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections, allowing the early clearance of criminal and debt records.
Officials said the measure is intended to ease administrative congestion. Beginning 1 December, the commission will accept background checks processed in advance, giving aspirants sufficient time to secure documentation before the formal application period opens.
In previous election cycles, record clearance began only after nominations were filed, often producing surges that strained government agencies. The new approach is designed to streamline the acquisition of filings from the Department of Judicial Administration, Maldives Correctional Services, and the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority. The submission of candidacy papers must still conform to the official nomination schedule.
The election is scheduled for 4 April and will span 226 constituencies, requiring the involvement of about 7,000 officials. Legislative amendments have reshaped the governance framework, mandating three councillors for islands with fewer than 2,000 residents and five councillors for larger populations.
The vote will also mark a structural shift in local administration, with the dissolution of atoll councils and the establishment of separate councils for the Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo islands within Addu Atoll.