Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has decided to announce the date of the parliamentary election next week.
Speaking to PSM News, Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb said a date for the parliamentary election will be determined during a meeting at the start of next week. He also said the list of eligible voters will be released on January 10.
The parliamentary election coincides with the last days of the month of Ramadan and the ECM has requested the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions to amend the law to hold the parliamentary election earlier. However, the committee earlier recommended that the election be held on the earliest possible date after the month of Ramadan as the law provides a 30-day period after Ramadan to hold the election.
ECM has expressed concern over the committee's recommendation. The electoral body stated that it would result in the parliamentary election most likely being held during the Eid holidays, which would significantly reduce the turnout and make it difficult for ECM to hire election officials.
During a committee meeting in November, President of ECM Fuad Thaufeeq noted that the government has decided to make the last 10 days of Ramadan holidays and said it would be challenging to prepare for the election while the relevant authorities such as the finance ministry and education ministry are closed for so many days. He also said that if the election is held after the month of Ramadan, candidates would find it difficult to campaign during Ramadan. He noted that it had received complaints from parties and candidates over a by-election held after the previous month of Ramadan.