ECM Receives Over 770 Complaints on Voters’ Registry Ahead of Local Elections

The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has reported receiving 779 complaints related to the registry of eligible voters for the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections.

The period for submitting complaints on the voters’ registry closed on January 18 at 15:00. The opportunity to lodge complaints opened on January 7 and remained available until the closing deadline, ahead of the elections scheduled to be held in April.

According to the Commission, the complaints largely concern changes of address and residence, the inclusion of deceased individuals, and the removal of names from the voters’ registry.

The Election Commission has established the National Election Complaints Bureau to handle complaints related to the April elections. The bureau has been set up to provide an accessible platform for the public to submit electoral complaints and grievances, and to ensure they are reviewed and addressed in a timely manner.

Complaints may be submitted to the Complaints Bureau via email or in person at Election Commission counters. The Commission has also arranged for complaint forms to be accepted through designated focal points in cities, provinces and island councils, as well as at selected focal points overseas.