A postal voting system, where ballot papers are distributed and then returned through post, will be used for voting in future elections, the Elections Commission has said.

Elections Commission president Ahmed Shareef said at a panel discussion on Friday that the commission is working to bring about a number of systematic changes to the way elections are held in the Maldives.

Shareef said that postal voting will alleviate difficulties for Maldivians residing in countries where the commission cannot place polling stations.

Individuals residing in such countries are currently required to travel and register to a location with a polling place in order to participate in the vote.

The Elections Commission organizes three national elections: the local council election, the parliamentary election, and the presidential election.

After Saturday’s vote, the commission will then hold an election in 2021, for when the tenures of incumbent council members expire.

The commission also organizes by-elections for local councils and parliament constituencies.