ECM Launches Nationwide Training Ahead of Local Council And WDC Elections

The Election Commission of Maldives has begun a nationwide training programme to prepare election officials for the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections scheduled for 4 April.

As part of the initial phase, the commission has launched a Training of Trainers programme to prepare more than 100 master trainers. These trainers will later be responsible for training approximately 7,000 polling station officials who will serve both within the Maldives and abroad.

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The Training of Trainers programme is being conducted from 3 to 9 January. Upon its completion, large-scale training for polling station officials is set to begin on 11 January, with sessions in the Malé area scheduled to start on 15 January.

At the launch ceremony, Election Commission Chairman Mohamed Zahid highlighted that the training programme forms a core component of the commission’s preparations to ensure elections are conducted in line with legal requirements. He noted that the commission remains committed to administering the elections in accordance with established procedures.

He further explained that while any legal amendments may lead to changes in certain procedural aspects, the fundamental administrative functions carried out at polling stations will remain the same.

The one-week intensive training programme aims to provide officials with essential guidance on their responsibilities, including assisting voters, managing polling station operations, and ensuring that all electoral procedures are properly followed on polling day. The Election Commission has also indicated that an additional 100 administrative staff will be required to support the overall election process.