Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has revealed that 12 candidates of the women's development committee (WDC) by-elections have won seats uncontested.
Speaking to PSM News, Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb said that 12 of the candidates in the by-elections scheduled for January 13 have been the only ones to contest for those particular seats in the WDCs. As such, he said that by-elections will not be held on those islands.
Additionally, Habeeb said that ECM opened candidacies for WDC by-elections in 18 islands but the electoral body did not receive any candidacy forms for six of the islands. They are Rasgetheemu in Raa Atoll, Kendhoo in Baa Atoll, Thoddoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Thinadhoo in Vaavu Atoll, Raiymandhoo in Meemu Atoll, and Bilehdhoo in Faafu Atoll. Five seats are vacant in Thinadhoo while one seat is vacant in each of the other islands. He said that the opportunity will be re-opened to contest the seats.
Furthermore, Habeeb said that ECM will be holding by-elections for four island councils on January 27. The elections are being held to fill one vacant seat for each of the councils of Rakeedhoo in Vaavu Atoll, Dharanboodhoo in Faafu Atoll, Madaveli in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and the women's seat in the council of Fehendhoo in Baa Atoll.