Local Council Elections to See Historic Increase in Councilors to 646

In the upcoming local council elections, the number of councilors is set to increase significantly to 646, marking a historic rise compared to the 336 councilors elected in the 2021 elections. The Elections Commission (EC) has outlined the structure for both atoll and city councils, with changes introduced under the new reforms. The EC's report highlights that 133 islands will now have three council members, including a council president and vice president, while 46 islands will have five council members. City councils, such as Male', Addu City, and others, will also see adjustments in their member counts. The electoral process is expected to cost between 70 to 80 million Rufiyaa, with plans to streamline candidate registrations through an online portal. The EC has yet to finalize the election date, but preparations are ongoing to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process.