The Elections Commission of the Maldives is organising by-elections for two seats on the local government council of Filladhoo island, in northern Haa Alif atoll.

Two  commission announced on Thursday that the vote will be held on April 13th, and application to contest is open until 12th March. 

Giving more authority over local resources to councils has been a key policy for the current government, and the cabinet that took office in November last year has agreed to this. 

The current members of atoll and island councils were elected through national elections in 2017.