National Advisory Committee Convenes Inaugural Session

The first meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Elections took place, bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on the forthcoming electoral process.

Political entities, including the Maldives National Party (MNP), Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and The Democrats, participated in the session, alongside relevant institutions such as the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), Local Government Authority (LGA), Maldives Media Council, Maldives Broadcasting Commission, and Transparency Maldives. It is noteworthy that the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)/Peoples’ National Congress (PNC) opted not to engage with the committee.

The committee, established to offer guidance to stakeholders on electoral matters, addressed various aspects of the upcoming elections during the meeting. Discussions primarily revolved around imminent tasks and the potential date for the parliamentary elections.

Participants from political parties and relevant institutions recommended expediting the electoral process, with a preference for scheduling the elections shortly after the conclusion of the month of Ramadan.

In his address to the assembly, Ismail Habeeb, the Vice President of the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM), underscored the importance of setting a definitive date for the parliamentary elections. He acknowledged that the absence of a fixed date posed challenges to the process, particularly as certain elements of the electoral procedure are time-sensitive. 

Habeeb highlighted that modifying election-related laws for each election is a complex undertaking and may become necessary if the parliamentary elections are slated post-Ramadan.

Moreover, Habeeb revealed that the approved voters’ list for the parliamentary elections would be released in early January. He also disclosed ongoing discussions with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to facilitate online submission of complaints related to the elections.

Habeeb provided insight into the ongoing scrutiny of the report on the previous presidential election, emphasising the analysis of observations from both domestic and international perspectives. Notably, significant alterations have been made to the design of polling booths for the upcoming election.

Addressing logistical concerns, ECM is in the process of establishing tents in two areas of the city in anticipation of the election coinciding with Ramadan.