Voting has commenced for the first by-elections of the year to local councils and women's development committees, with polling beginning at 8:00 am.

According to election officials, voting has started on time in most polling stations.

A total of 12 constituencies are participating in today’s by-elections, including council by-elections in two islands and women's development committee by-elections in 10 islands.

The by-elections are being held following amendments to the Act, which mandate that council and women's committee by-elections take place twice a year. For this first round, elections were scheduled for local bodies in five islands and women's development committees in 28 islands. However, in 21 constituencies, the elections could not take place as only a single candidate was contesting, leading to unopposed wins.

Today's by-elections include:

Polling booths have been set up at Maafannu Madharusa for residents of Malé islands to cast their votes, with four booths available at the location. Voting will continue until 16:00 hrs today, after which counting will begin 30 minutes after ballot boxes are closed.

The Election Commission has confirmed that official results will be announced tomorrow.