ECM Indicates February 2025 By-Election Likely the Last for Current Term

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced that the local council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) by-elections scheduled for February 8, 2025, may be the final by-election of the current term.

This follows amendments to the Decentralisation Act and Local Council Elections Act, introduced to address the high costs and logistical challenges of frequent by-elections. Under these changes, by-elections for WDCs are held annually, while local council by-elections occur twice a year.

The upcoming election will fill five local council seats and 28 WDC vacancies. As per the new amendments, if a vacancy arises with less than one year remaining in the council or committee's term, a by-election is only required if the quorum is affected. Additionally, elections are prohibited during Ramadan, and any subsequent elections must be held at least ten days after Ramadan ends.

With the current local councils and WDC terms ending in April 2026, the timing constraints under the new regulations make it unlikely for further by-elections after February unless quorum issues arise.