Vice President of the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) Ahmed Akram has said the commission will announce the constituencies of the local council elections on December 18.
Briefing the National Advisory Committee on ongoing preparations for the upcoming local council election, Akram said after the announcement is made, it will also announce the seats allocated for women in addition to seeking public opinion on the final list.
Speaking to the committee, Akram said special arrangements have been made for voters from other islands registered in Dhaftharu. None of the registered people will vote in Hulhumale’. While 1,000 from the 9,000 registered in Vilimale will be allowed to vote in Vilimale, the rest will be equally distributed to cast their votes to ballot boxes in the 16 constituencies of Male'. The seat allocation for women has also been concluded now, Akram added. With the allocation of 33% of council seats to women, 6 seats in Male City Council, 4 seats in Addu City Council and 2 seats in Fuvahmulah City Council have been allocated for women.
Furthermore, 3 seats from all island councils serving a population of over 3,000 and 2 seats from councils serving a population below 3,000 have been allocated for women. Election Commission is also seeking temporary staff to work in the election. While 138 opportunities have been created thus far, the election will require 12,000 officials.