Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has expressed there are no challenges in conducting Local Council Elections smoothly.
Speaking to PSM News regarding the preparations of the local council elections scheduled for April 4, Vice President of ECM, Ahmed Akram said following the amendments brought to the decentralisation act, the works for the election have increased.
While voting and counting process differs from the previous elections, ECM is working towards seeking easier methods for each and every process. Although the works are doubled due to the increase in number of councilors and in the difference in allocating constituencies, there are no challenges in conducting the election smoothly, according to Akram.
ECM has now announced the local council constituencies and the seats allocated for women opening the list for public opinion. The electoral body has given until December 23 to submit complaints on the temporary list.
Previously, 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'. 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.