Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has re-opened applications to hire 350 officials for the Male' City Council by-election.
The election to choose the Mayor of Male' City and three council members will be held on January 13. ECM also plans to hold a by-election to fill the vacant seat in the Women's Development Committee (WDC) of Mulah, Meemu Atoll on the same day.
ECM failed to receive the needed number of applications for officials after reaching the initial deadline on December 31. The electoral body re-opened applications after increasing the remuneration of officials. The new deadline to submit applications will be reached on January 4, 1500hrs. However, ECM will continue to accept applications if it still does not receive the necessary number of applications by the deadline.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have the relevant education and experience for the job, be medically fit and must not be serving a sentence for a criminal offence. They must also not be holding a senior position in any political party, not be actively involved in the campaign activities and must not have a familial relationship with a candidate.
Remuneration of officials will consist of USD32-117 based on whether they are chosen as the head of the polling station, assistant to the head of the polling station, a polling station official, or reserve officer. Applicants will be required to complete a training programme. An allowance of USD20 will be paid upon completion of the training programme.
The training programme is scheduled to take place from January 7-11. Those who do not complete the training will not be chosen as an official.