The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has reopened the window for submitting complaints regarding the voters’ list for the upcoming Local Council Elections (LCE) and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Elections, scheduled to be held on 4 April 2026.
The Commission said the move follows amendments made to the voters’ registry based on complaints submitted during the earlier review period. The updated voters’ list has now been published and is available for public inspection.
According to the ECM, voters can verify their details through the Government Gazette, at island councils, or by checking the list published on the Commission’s website. Individuals may also confirm their registration by sending their ID card number via SMS to 1414.
The deadline for submitting complaints on the amended voters’ list is 8 February at 3:00 p.m. The Commission has urged those raising concerns to submit relevant supporting documents to ensure complaints can be reviewed and processed without delay.
During the initial complaint submission period, the ECM received 779 complaints, with the most common issues relating to the removal of deceased individuals from the registry, as well as changes to registered islands and residential addresses.
Meanwhile, the Commission has also published details of the seats being contested in the April elections. A total of 626 seats will be contested for island councils, while 52 seats are up for election in city councils. In 133 islands, voters will elect a council president and three councillors, including the seat reserved for female representation. In 46 islands, elections will be held for a council president and five councillors, again including the designated female seat.
Elections for Women’s Development Committees will be conducted in all islands where council elections are taking place.
City council elections will vary by location. According to the ECM, Kulhudhuffushi City and Thinadhoo City will each elect seven councillors, Fuvahmulah City will elect nine, Addu City will elect 11, and Malé City will elect 18 councillors, including mayors where applicable.
The ECM said reopening the complaint window is part of its efforts to ensure accuracy, transparency, and public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the April polls.
