Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has begun accepting candidates for the parliamentary election scheduled for March 17.
The opportunity to submit candidacy is open until February 14. Application forms will be issued and accepted from 0900hrs to 1400hrs at Dharubaaruge convention centre. Applications will be accepted on Friday from 1400hrs to 1600hrs. Applicants will be accepted with payments made via cash card using POS machine as the commission has decided not to accept cash.
Speaking to PSM News, Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb requested candidates to include correct and accurate information when submitting the forms. He also stressed the importance of opening a dedicated account and said that the commission is accepting cleared criminal and debt records. He further urged candidates not to wait until the last minute to submit their forms since they would risk missing the deadline.
Additionally, Habeeb said that individuals contesting as independent candidates should submit valid signatures of 50 constituents. He added that the commission will inform the candidates whether their application has been accepted within 48 hours.