A total of 53 candidates from Addu City are contesting in the upcoming local council elections (LCE) and women's development committee (WDC) elections.

The Vice-president of Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM), Ahmed Akram made the announcement during a ceremony held at Addu Equatorial Hospital on Wednesday.

Akram revealed that 36 candidates are contesting for Addu City district in the upcoming local council elections, while 17 candidates will be contesting in the women's development committee (WDC) elections.

Akram went onto state that candidates are now allowed to officially campaign and urged candidates to follow campaign laws.

The ceremony was also attended by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and officials from the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).