Over 3000 interested candidates have submitted applications for the 2020 Local Council Elections, says the Election Commission (EC).

During an exclusive interview to RaajjeTV on Thursday, President of EC Ahmed Shareef and Vice President of EC Ahmed Akram revealed that the deadline to contest the upcoming local council elections ended on Thursday at 15:00, however, upon request, applications were accepted until 16:00.

Shareef also stated that the deadline for submissions to contest the women's development committees elections was set for 24th of February to allow time for primaries as many political parties are contesting the women's development committee elections as well.

He further stated that the commission received over 3000 applications submitted by interested candidates within the period opened to contest for the upcoming local council elections.

As such, Akram stated that preparations for both elections are currently underway according to elections legislation and the commission's guidelines.

Akram also disclosed that the final list of candidates will be publicised on March 4th, adding that candidate numbers will be allocated via a draw on the same day.

The upcoming local council elections, slated for April 4th, is expected to be the first of it's kind following amendments to the Decentralisation Act. Unlike previous local council elections, only candidates that contest for the position of City Mayors, Atoll Council Presidents and Island Council Presidents can be elected for the role. Other changes include allocating 33% of council seats for women and extending every councillor's term from three years to five years.