EC Launches Training Programme for Upcoming Local Council Elections

The Elections Commission (EC) of Maldives launched a training-of-trainers programme on Saturday to prepare officials for the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections. The programme, running from January 3 to January 9 at CHSE in Male’, involves 95 officials and includes participation from the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM). The initiative aims to equip trainers who will then instruct polling station officials across the Maldives and abroad, ensuring voting and administrative procedures comply with laws and regulations. Once completed, training for the 7,000 officials required for the April 4 elections will begin on January 11, with Male’ region training starting on January 15. The EC has also concluded recruitment for officials in HR, administration, media, IT, finance, and legal roles. Political parties, including the ruling PNC and opposition MDP, are preparing for the elections, while Parliament has approved changes to local council compositions, including reducing councillors on smaller islands and abolishing Atoll Councils.