Council and WDC byelections underway in 12 islands; turnout low at 21.9%

Byelections are underway in 12 islands across the Maldives to elect officials to vacancies in local councils and women’s development committee (WDCs).

Polls opened at 08:00 am on Saturday and are scheduled to close at 04:00 pm.

The Elections Commission (EC) said that polls opened on time in many of the islands.

The byelections are being held to fill vacancies in local councils of two islands and the WDCs of 10 islands.

The byelections:

• One member to the HDh. Makunudhoo Council
• One female member to the N. Landhoo Council
• One member to the WDC of HDh. Hirimaradoo
• One member to the WDC of N. Miladhoo
• One member to the WDC of N. Fodhdhoo
• Two members to the WDC of R. Innamaadhoo
• One member to the WDC of B. Goidhoo
• One member to the WDC of ADh. Hangnameedhoo
• One member to the WDC of Dh. Hulhudheli
• One member to the WDC of L. Gan
• One member to the WDC of Th. Buruni
• One member to the WDC of GA. Kanduhulhudhoo

Total 11,325 people are eligible to vote in these byelections, including 5, 770 men and 5,555 women.

According to the EC, 2,482 people – 1,292 men and 1,190 women - voted by 12:00 pm.

This is a turnout of 21.92 percent.

A polling station has been set up at the Maafannu Madrasa in Male’ City for eligible voters living in the capital.

The EC is set to begin counting the ballots 30 minutes after polls close at 04:00 pm, and will announce the official results on Sunday.

The law previously required the EC to hold byelections within 60 days if a seat at a local council or a WDC falls vacant. The high number of resignations among WDCs made this a highly costly affair.

In August last year, the Parliament passed legislative amendments to limit the byelections to twice a year.

Saturday’s byelections mark the first time for these changes to be implemented.