The Elections Commission of Maldives has announced that training for approximately 7,000 officials ahead of the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections will begin on 11 January.

As part of its preparations, the Commission has already commenced a training-of-trainers programme. The programme, which runs from 3 to 9 January, is aimed at equipping more than 95 trainers who will in turn train polling station officials deployed across the Maldives and abroad on polling day.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Elections Commission President Mohamed Zahid said the training initiative is a key component of the Commission’s preparations to ensure elections are conducted in line with legal requirements. He stressed that the Commission remains committed to carrying out the electoral process without disruption, noting that while procedural handling may evolve through training, the integrity of the election process will not be compromised.

According to the Commission, officials will be provided with essential information within a week, including guidance on polling station procedures and election-day responsibilities. The training is intended to ensure officials are fully prepared to manage polling operations efficiently and in accordance with established regulations.

The Elections Commission said training programmes for officials in the atolls will commence on 11 January, while training in the Greater Malé Region is scheduled to begin on 15 January.