The Elections Commission of Maldives (EC) has opened candidacy for the fast-approaching parliamentary polls.

In a publication on Tuesday, EC revealed that candidacy for the 2024 parliamentary elections will be open from January 30, through February 14.

The commission revealed that Individuals will be allowed to submit candidacies for the 93 constituencies identified in the final report on the allocation of constituencies.

EC revealed that applications will be issued and accepted between 9am and 2pm at Rannabandeyri Hall of Dharubaaruge, every day except for Fridays.

On Fridays, applications will be issued and accepted between 2pm and 4pm.

The commission went on to reveal that they will not be accepting cash payments and that the candidacy fee must be covered with a card, or via POS machine.

This year’s parliamentary polls are slated for March 17. This falls within the fasting month of Ramadan.

The commission’s Vice President Ismail Habeeb earlier revealed that should an amendment be brought to the general elections act, it would make it mandatory to change the date of the elections and it is likely to be the case. Habeeb noted that the commission would act in accordance with the law.

He added that if an amendment to the law results in delaying the elections, the commission would be fully prepared for it.

The criteria for a person who may be elected to the People’s Majlis include being a citizen of the Maldives, not being a citizen of a foreign country, being a Muslim and being a member of the Sunnah community, as well as being above 18 years of age, of sound mind and conscience.

If an individual of a foreign country holds a Maldivian passport, they can submit their candidacy only after completing five years of being a citizen of the Maldives. They would also be required to reside in the island nation.

EC has also specified the criteria for those who will not be eligible to become a lawmaker, including those who have proven debt to be repaid, those who have failed to pay a debt as per court rulings, those who have been convicted of a criminal offence and are serving a sentence of more than 12 months.

In addition to this, if a person has been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to more than 12 months and has not completed three years since the completion of their sentence of since they were pardoned, will not be eligible.

Judges cannot become lawmakers as well.

EC went on to reveal that Section 25 of the General Election Act specifies that every candidate must appoint his or her official agent for the parliamentary polls, before submitting their candidacy.

The commission noted that the provision mandates the official election agent to meet the requirements as well.