The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has affirmed that the deadline for submitting applications for the parliamentary election will remain unchanged, regardless of any postponement of the election date.
The parliamentary election was scheduled to be held on March 17. However, the ad hoc committee has approved the postponement of the election until the end of Ramadan. However, the date can only be changed after a parliamentary debate and vote.
The application process for the parliamentary election commenced on January 30 and is set to conclude on February 14 at 1400hrs. Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb disclosed that 18 individuals have submitted their application forms so far. He encouraged prompt submission, warning that waiting until the last minute might preclude the opportunity for corrections. He also emphasised that ECM will uphold the deadline, even in the event of a change in the parliamentary election date.
Independent candidates must submit application forms with signatures by 50 supporters from their respective constituencies. Moreover, all candidates must provide records of any criminal convictions, outstanding debts, and details of election-related bank accounts.
Application forms can be submitted at the Dharubaaruge convention centre between 0900 and 1400hrs daily. ECM anticipates receiving between 400 and 600 applications from candidates interested in contesting the election.