Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced 85% of the administrative officials in the local council elections will be civil servants.
An agreement was signed between ECM and Civil Service Commission (CSC) on providing assistance to the local council elections. Under the agreement, CSC must provide assistance to ECM in arranging focal points for different constituencies and in arranging the release of officials who will be active in the administrative operations of the elections.
Vice President of ECM Ahmed Akram revealed over 7,000 officials will be active in the elections, of which 85% will be constituted of civil servants. Akram noted civil servants play an important role in every election and acknowledged the hard work put in to ensure elections are conducted smoothly.
Noting the difficulties in acquiring the required number of officials for the elections, Akram stated some individuals believe officiating elections is a political job and refuse to get involved. However, he said officiating should be considered a national service, noting it is an integral part of sustaining democracy in the country.
Meanwhile, President of CSC Dr. Alee Shameem assured the full support and commitment of civil servants to the operations of the elections, adding CSC will play its part to ensure free and fair elections.
Over 269,000 people are eligible to vote in the elections, which would see over 50,000 result sheets processed. ECM has stated about 7,000 officials are required for the elections.
ECM has announced the local council elections will be held on April 4.