Maldives' electoral watchdog Friday has delayed the local council polls over the rapid spread of the H1N1 virus in the archipelago.
The elections already put off two occasions, both over the rift in the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has been re-scheduled to May 6.
Elections commission during an emergency press conference on Friday said the decision was prompted by the epidemic which has shown no signs of abating thus far.
EC deputy chief Amjad Musthafa said the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised to limit the preparations due to the threat of swine flu spread.
"We've seen elections postponed over natural disasters in the past. The parliamentary elections in 2004 was postponed due to the Asian Tsunami. So our priority now is to ensure public safety based on the advise of the health officials," Amjad explained.
EC member Ahmed Akram said the commission would provide voters to re-register with the new election date.
Meanwhile, the latest HPA statistics have confirmed that the H1N1 virus is continuing to rise with over 100 people positive for the virus by Thursday.
The count was at 82 on Wednesday out of the 279 tested, but less than a day later the count has swelled to 105 after 335 people were tested for the virus.
The flu has already claimed the lives of two people, one 26 year old man in early March while a 51 year old woman had died late Wednesday.
Government along with private health care providers have set up multiple flu clinic throughout the capital and suburbs to provide round the clock service.
Public schools, universities and private colleges have suspended classes while the authorities have urged people in the Atolls against travelling to the capital.
The government along with a few private offices have granted indefinite leave for pregnant staff to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
