Six New Constituencies Added to Parliament, Totaling 93 Seats

The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has unveiled its interim report on the delimitation of constituencies, announcing the addition of six new parliamentary constituencies, bringing the total number of seats in parliament to 93 for the upcoming 2024 elections.

In a statement made by ECM Vice Chairman, Ismail Habeeb, released its provisional report on the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, providing a glimpse into the electoral landscape for 2024.

The newly established constituencies for the 2024 elections are as follows:

• Hulhumale’ Central Constituency
• Hulhumale’ North Constituency
• Hithadhoo Constituency (comprising Hithadhoo, Maalhos, and Dharavandhoo)
• Hura Constituency (comprising Hura, Himmafushi, and Gulhi)
• Kolamafushi Constituency (comprising Kolamafushi and Dhevvadhoo)
• Feydhoo North Constituency (comprising Feydhoo and Maradhoo-Feydhoo)

Habeeb highlighted that this change would result in Eydhafushi, Villingili, and Meedhoo constituencies having only one island under their respective constituencies.

Furthermore, there have been alterations to the names of certain constituencies. Specifically, Hulhumale’ constituency has been rebranded as Hulhumale’ South constituency, Guraidhoo constituency as Maafushi constituency, Th. Guraidhoo constituency is now Guraidhoo constituency, and Feydhoo constituency has been renamed as Feydhoo South constituency.

In an official notification issued late last night, the ECM extended an invitation for public feedback on the provisional report concerning population allocation for the 2024 parliamentary constituencies. The commission will continue to accept complaints and comments until October 19, providing an opportunity for citizens to participate in the electoral process and voice their concerns.

The introduction of these new constituencies and the adjustments to existing ones mark a significant development in the nation’s electoral landscape, ensuring fair and representative parliamentary elections in 2024.