The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has amended the guidelines set forth as a safeguard against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, pertaining to the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee Elections.

The first amendment to the guidelines was publicized in the government gazette on Thursday and upon publication, the amendment has come into immediate effect.

According to the amended guidelines, candidates travelling within islands for campaign purposes will not be required to undergo quarantine, so long as they adhere to the guidelines put in place for the travelling procedure.

However, if candidates violate the guidelines and measures set forth by authorities pertaining to travel within islands for campaign purposes, they will be required to undergo the mandatory quarantine period henceforth.

HPA was mandated to bring amendments to the guidelines and submit them by March 11, after discussions regarding the guidelines were held with Elections Commission officials present, at the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions.

The Elections Commission is required to launch preparations for the local elections within seven days after the ratification of the first amendment to the Local Council Elections Special Provision Act, comes into effect. The legislation, ratified by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in January, mandates HPA to establish special guidelines to safeguard against the Covid-19 pandemic, to be followed throughout the polls.

Earlier, Elections Commission raised concerns over difficulties posed by the guidelines HPA initially put forth, stressing that it increases expenditure for the elections.

As such, the commission’s President Ahmed Shareef stated that the guidelines were presenting difficulties in the EC’s preparations for the elections. He also noted that the commission was not opposing the guidelines and realizes they are set forth as a safeguard against the pandemic.

In addition to increased expenses, Shareef stressed that they fear they will not be able to grant the 28-day-period entitled as a campaigning period for candidates, due to the guidelines. Further, the previous guidelines in place paves way for candidates to file cases regarding the election at court, which may lead to a second round of polls.

Acknowledging the commission’s concerns, the Director General of Public Health, Maimoona Aboobakuru had noted that the guidelines and safety regulations are set in place accordingly to ensure public safety.

EC had passed a MVR 51.1 million budget for the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee Elections last year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the elections were indefinitely delayed after being initially scheduled for April 4, 2020. Since the ratification of the amendment bill, EC has announced the decision to hold the elections during April 2021.