News Desk
The ruling People’s National Congress will field the highest number of candidates in the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections scheduled for April, according to new figures released by the Election Commission.
Six political parties are contesting the council elections. The commission has accepted 1,210 party‑affiliated candidates and 401 independents, bringing the total to 1,611 eligible contenders. A total of 678 council seats are up for election. The PNC is contesting 665 of them, the largest share of any party.
Candidates Contesting Local Council Seats
- People’s National Congress: 665
- People’s Democratic Party: 495
- Maldives Development Alliance: 31
- Jumhooree Party: 8
- The Democrats: 8
- Adhaalath Party: 3
The women’s development committee elections have drawn 1,611 submissions as well. Of these, 1,383 candidates have been accepted. Five political parties account for 1,116 of the approved candidates, while 267 independents will also contest.
Candidates for Women’s Development Committees
- People’s National Congress: 658
- People’s Democratic Party: 417
- Maldives Development Alliance: 28
- Jumhooree Party: 7
- Adhaalath Party: 6
A total of 2,993 candidates will compete across both elections. The commission said all forms submitted through its online portal have been processed. The numbers may change only if candidates withdraw or if a court orders the acceptance of previously rejected forms.
The commission expects to begin the candidate‑draw process around February 12 or 13. Voters will elect 626 island councillors and 52 city councillors. An equal number of seats will be filled in the women’s development committees.
A total of 294,937 people are eligible to vote. That includes 144,527 women and 150,410 men.
