Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has revealed some candidates who are competing in the local council elections have already secured their seats before voting day.
Speaking at a press conference held to provide the latest information on the preparation for the upcoming elections, President of ECM Ahmed Shareef said 15 candidates from 12 councils have been already elected. He stated the seats were secured by them as no other candidate submitted the applications to compete for those seats.
According to ECM, the 15 candidates won seats from island councils and city councils. In this regard, 13 candidates from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and two independent candidates have secured their seats. The president of the electoral body said their names and constituencies will be announced on March 4 after arranging the candidates.
Meanwhile, candidates from 22 islands have secured their seats in the women's development committee elections.
The local council elections and the women's development committee elections will be held on April 4.