Polls open across the country in the 2017 local council elections at eight o'clock this morning. Although some polling stations experienced minor delays, so far, polling is progressing smoothly. This is the third local elections to be held in the country following the implementation of the Decentralization Act.
This year, over two hundred and fifty thousand eligible voters are expected cast votes in the local council elections for 1487 candidates who are contesting seats in numerous administrative regions across the country. Contestants from five political parties including 523 candidates from ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), 469 candidates from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), 93 candidates from Jumhooree Party (JP), 50 candidates from Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and a single candidate from Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP). In addition to this, 363 candidates will be contesting the election as independents.
img:http://s3.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14940403055919.jpg|Voting process of the 2017 Local Council Election - Photo: PSM
Some candidates have been elected by default as lone contestants for the respective seats. They are; three independent candidates who secured three seats at Kinolhas Island Council in Raa atoll, two PPM candidates and an independent candidate who secured three seats on Dhidhdhoo Island Council in Alifu Dhaalu atoll, three independent candidates who secured three seats on Raiymandhoo Island Council, three PPM candidates who secured three seats on Guraidhoo Island Council in Thaa atoll, and an MDP candidate who has secured the atoll council seat allocated for the island of Nolhivaram in Haa Dhaalu atoll.
A total of 422 ballot boxes have been set up across the country including 107 ballot boxes in capital Male', 7 ballot boxes in resorts, on ballot box in Thilafushi industrial island, four ballot boxes in detention facilities and one ballot box overseas, in Sri Lanka's Colombo, according to the Elections Commission of Maldives.