Candidates and political parties have concluded their campaign for the Local Council and Women's Development Committee election scheduled for Saturday.
According to the Elections Act, all campaign activities must be ceased and concluded by 6pm of the day before the election. It is against the law to carry out any campaign activities after this time.
President of the Elections Commission, Ahmed Shareef Adam announced at 6pm on Friday that the campaign period for the election had come to an end. He urged all candidates and political parties to adhere to the rules and regulations, and to ensure that a peaceful election is carried out on Saturday.
Shareef said any campaign activity conducted after 6pm can be reported to the commission.
982 council members and 930 Women's Development Committee members will be elected in Saturday's vote. This includes 19 atoll councilors, 178 island council presidents, 370 council seats allocated for women and 370 seats allocated for both genders. Additionally 18 members, including a mayor will be elected to Male' City Council, 12 members for Addu City Council and 6 members each for Fuvahmulah and Kulhudhuffushi City councils.
Candidates from nine different political parties and a large number of independent candidates are contesting in Saturday's election. Main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) put forward 1476 candidates for 826 council seats and 650 candidates for Women's Development Committees. 1146 candidates will be representing Opposing Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) - 647 candidates for council seats and 499 candidates for women's development committees.
