The Elections Commission of the Maldives has announced detailed preparations for the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee Elections, scheduled for Saturday, 4 April 2026, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

 

At a press conference today, Commission President Mohamed Zahid, Vice President Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed, Commission Member Hassan Zakariyya, and Secretary General Abdulla Unais provided updates on the electoral process, voter registration, and candidate applications.

 

A total of 225 constituencies will elect representatives for Local Councils and Women’s Development Committees comprising 678 seats each. 294,937 voters are eligible to participate, including 150,410 males and 144,527 females. The Commission has published the initial voters list and urges citizens to verify their details and submit complaints via MyPortal.

 

For this election, 621 voting boxes have been allocated:

• 321 for the atolls
• 240 for residents of atolls and voters from Kulhudufushi, Fuvahmulah, Thinadhoo, and Addu Cities residing in Malé, Hulhumalé, and Vilimalé
• 3 for technical or industrial locations
• 5 for correctional facilities
• 50 for resorts
• 2 for overseas voting, with boxes placed in Sri Lanka and Malaysia

 

The candidate application period will run from 17 January to 1 February 2026, with applications submitted online through MyPortal.

 

In addition, the Commission has opened registration for voters with visual impairment or blindness to vote using tactile voting templates, allowing independent voting without assistance. Eligible voters may register by calling 1414 before 23 February 2026.

 

The Commission also convened the National Advisory Committee (NAC) today, bringing together government representatives, registered political parties, and civil society organizations to discuss election procedures, accessibility measures, and coordination to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.

 

The Elections Commission emphasized its commitment to conducting elections professionally, fairly, and transparently, ensuring all voters can participate safely and confidently.