Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has requested at High Court of Maldives to further delay the upcoming local council elections (LCE) and women's development committee (WDC) elections.
President of ECM Ahmed Shareef stated a request has been made at High Court to make a decision on the elections if the State of Public Health in Maldives is extended beyond the 30-day period. ECM requested at the court to postpone the elections without mentioning a certain date and to grant the authority for ECM to determine a date to hold the elections, said Shareef.
Initially, ECM postponed the voting of the upcoming elections to April 18 which was initially scheduled for April 4. The decision was made upon an advisory of the National Advisory Committee, according to ECM.
The president of the electoral body added the request is made at High Court as the 6 days between the end of State of Public Health and voting day are not sufficient for political parties to campaign. He noted the final voters' list must also be compiled within the timeframe and training of officials should be conducted within the period as well.
The last date mentioned in the law to hold LCE and WDC elections is May 3. ECM said April 4 was decided for voting to ensure all activities of the elections are concluded by May 3, even if a second round is required to elect a candidate.