ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE ACCREDITATION OF INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS AND MONITORS FOR THE LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTION AND WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ELECTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

The Elections Commission of the Maldives hereby invites applications from international associations, societies, and individuals interested in observing or monitoring the electoral process of the Local Council Election and Women’s Development Committee Election of the Republic of Maldives, scheduled to be held on 4 April 2026.

Applications for accreditation as International Observers or Monitors will be accepted from 18 January 2026 to 18 February 2026 at 15:00. The Commission warmly welcomes the participation of eligible international stakeholders, in full accordance with the legal framework governing elections in the Maldives.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS AND MONITORS

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1 Be 18 years of age or above.

2. Be representatives of international associations or societies engaged in electoral or democratic activities, and duly accredited by the institution they represent.

3. Not be involved in, nor engage in, campaigning or activities intended to promote any candidate or political party.

4. Conduct themselves in accordance with Sections 40 and 41 of Act No. 11/2008 (Elections General Act), and strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct prescribed under the Regulations for the Local Council Election and Women’s Development Committee Election 2026.

All accredited observers and monitors will be formally notified and provided with relevant information regarding accreditation arrangements.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. All information in the application form must be entered exactly as stated in the applicant’s passport.

2. Required attachments must comply with the specifications below and must not exceed 10 MB in total file size.

3. A colour scanned copy of the passport, with a minimum validity of six months (PDF format).

4. A recent passport-sized photograph, taken within the last three months (JPEG format, minimum resolution 600 dpi).

5. A signed and scanned copy of the Local Council Election and Women’s Development Committee Election Observer/Monitor Declaration (PDF format).

6 A letter of accreditation from the institution represented, issued on official letterhead, bearing the official stamp, and clearly stating the applicant’s full name, passport number, and designation.

7. All application forms and supporting documents must be submitted via email to [email protected].

8. Applications will be rejected if the form is incomplete or inaccurate, the declaration is unsigned, or any required document is missing.

KEY NOTES

1. All expenses, including travel, accommodation, visas, insurance, and other related costs, from arrival to departure, shall be borne by the observer/monitor or the institution they represent.

2. The Elections Commission will facilitate and conduct mandatory briefing and training sessions required for accreditation. Upon successful accreditation, official observer/monitor passes will be issued.

3. Observers and monitors wishing to travel within the Maldives are responsible for making their own logistical and travel arrangements.

4. Any meetings with political parties, stakeholders, or other entities must be independently arranged by the observer/monitor, in full compliance with the relevant laws, regulations, and Code of Conduct.

5. The application form, declaration, and Code of Conduct are attached to this announcement and are also available on the official website of the Elections Commission of the Maldives.