The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has opened applications for observers and monitors for the upcoming Local Council Elections and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections.
The deadline to apply is 3pm on Saturday, 28 February.
Application forms are available through the Elections Commission’s online portal at my.elections.gov.mv.
Individuals applying independently, as well as those applying through organisations, must not be members of any political party. Political parties are required to submit their applications via the Simedha Portal.
Observers are advised to review the disciplinary guidelines and agreement available on the commission’s main website.
Media organisations must include a valid media registry licence and provide details of the individuals they intend to assign as election monitors.
Speaking to the media, the Elections Commission’s Assistant Director, Vishal Saeed, said media outlets may assign monitors based on the number of ballot boxes, which stands at 621.
He added that political parties and organisations may submit applications for observers for up to 10 percent of the total number of ballot boxes, which is 683.
The commission said all successful applicants will be notified by SMS and through the online portal, where observer and monitor passes can also be downloaded.