The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has confirmed that it received 779 complaints related to the registry of eligible voters for the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections, scheduled to take place in April.
According to the Commission, the period for submitting complaints closed at 3:00 p.m. on January 18, following an 11-day window that opened on January 7. During this time, the public was given the opportunity to raise concerns or request corrections to the voters’ register.
ECM said the majority of complaints submitted before the deadline involved changes of address or residence, as well as issues related to incorrect entries, including the listing of deceased individuals and the removal of names from the registry.
In response to the volume of submissions, the Commission has activated the National Election Complaints Bureau, which has been tasked with handling grievances related to the April elections. The bureau is intended to provide an accessible and structured channel for voters to report electoral concerns and ensure that complaints are reviewed and addressed in a timely manner.
The Commission noted that complaints can be lodged in person at Elections Commission counters or submitted via email to the Complaints Bureau. In addition, arrangements have been made to accept complaint forms through designated focal points at city councils, provincial offices, island councils, as well as through overseas focal points for Maldivians living abroad.
ECM said the complaints process forms part of its broader efforts to maintain accuracy, transparency, and public confidence in the electoral system as preparations continue for the April polls.
