Elections Commission Moves Voter Signing to Social Centre After Fire

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has shifted its voter registry signing operations to the Social Centre in Malé after a fire near its original office. The relocation follows a fire in a warehouse next to the former Drug Court building, which previously housed the Commission. As a precaution, the ECM suspended work at the site and removed all election-related documents. The Commission has confirmed the voter registration process has fully resumed at the new location and assured the public that the fire incident will not disrupt the upcoming elections. Political parties, candidates, and their representatives are now signing the final register of eligible voters at the Social Centre. The signing will occur daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Candidates or their appointed agents are required to sign the final voter registry ahead of the polls scheduled for 4 April. The signing process began on 17 March. On election day, voters will cast ballots in three concurrent votes: the Local Council elections, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, and a public referendum.