The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has said it has no plans to accept manual nomination forms for the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections, maintaining that all applications must be submitted through its online system.

The Commission made the clarification in response to calls from some politicians and political parties for manual submissions to be accepted alongside online applications. Speaking to State media, Vice President of the Elections Commission Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed said the online application system has proven to be effective and accessible.

Salah said over 2,200 nomination forms have been submitted since applications opened through the Commission’s main portal, noting that candidates are able to apply from anywhere and track the status of their submissions online. He added that the digital system allows for quicker verification of documents and simplifies the overall application process.

The Elections Commission opened applications for the elections on 17 January, with the online portal remaining open until 1 February. Salah said the extended application window and early opening of the portal had made it easier for prospective candidates to submit their forms in advance, an option not previously available.

According to the latest figures released by the Commission, a total of 2,254 nomination forms were submitted within the first 10 days of the application period. This includes 1,276 applications to contest local council seats and 978 applications for women’s development committee positions.

Of the local council applications submitted by political parties, 994 forms were received, with 852 meeting eligibility requirements. The Commission declared 142 applications ineligible, while 84 candidates resubmitted their forms after addressing the issues identified. A further 282 applications were submitted by independent candidates, of which 188 were found eligible. Ninety-four independent applications were declared ineligible, and 49 candidates have since reapplied.

For women’s development committee elections, political parties submitted 795 nomination forms. The Commission said 103 of these did not initially meet eligibility criteria, with 54 candidates resubmitting their applications. In addition, 183 individuals applied as independent candidates, of whom 125 were deemed eligible.

Salah said the Commission’s decision not to accept manual applications is in line with its plans to digitise all services, except voting. He noted that similar digital measures were introduced during previous general elections and by-elections, and said the Commission remains committed to expanding online services to improve efficiency, transparency and accessibility in the electoral process.