The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has held four by-elections.
The by-elections were held to fill key positions, including a female council member for the Kelaa Island Council in Haa Alifu Atoll, a council member for Maafaru Island Council in Noonu Atoll and Hangnaameedhoo Island Council in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. A by-election will also be held to elect a member for the women's development committee (WDC) in Maafaru.
The voting period for the by-elections took place from 0800-1600hrs. As such, ECM had organised voting locations for residents of Kelaa, Maafaru, and Hangnaameedhoo residing in Male', to cast their ballots at the Dharubaaruge convention center. Voting also took place at the Sheikh Ibrahim School Hall for residents living in Kelaa, while residents living in Maafaru and Hangnaameedhoo casted ballots at their respective school halls.
ECM has also decided to hold the Male' mayoral by-election and a by-election to fill three vacant seats in the Male' City Council on January 13. Simultaneously, a by-election is scheduled to be held in the same day to elect a member for the WDC in Mulah, Meemu Atoll.