The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has publicized the voters’ list for the upcoming Local Council Elections and the Women’s Development Committee Elections slated for April 2020.

The list may be accessed through the commission’s official website and has been publicized in the government gazette as well, said the commission.

Further, the list may be accessed through island councils in outlying atolls and city councils and district offices in Kulhudhuffushi, Addu, Fuvahmulah and Malé City.

ECM went on to reveal that information may be viewed through SMS, as such, individuals may enter VR (space) their ID card numbers and send it to 1414 to view their information.

Following the publication, the commission has also opened the opportunity to submit complaints regarding the voters list. As such, complaints are to be submitted from 20 – 31 January from 08:30am to 3pm on week days. During public holidays, complaints may be submitted from 9am to 3pm, and on Fridays, individuals may forward complaints from 3pm to 5pm.

Atoll residents are required to submit complaints at their respective island and city councils as well as district offices while Malé residents may visit the Electoral Center for complaint submission.

Complaint forms have been made available through the council secretariats and for download through the ECM website.

While preparations are underway to ensure a smooth Local Council Elections, it is slated for 4 April.

ECM and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) also signed a contract for security details during the elections.

This year’s Local Council Elections are expected to be different in every way in comparison to previous elections due to changes in regulations. Further, it is the first election to be held after major amendments were made to the Decentralization Act.