The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has invited interested parties to apply as observers for the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections.

In a statement, the Commission said applications to serve as election observers must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Applications will be accepted online, with details on the submission process outlined in the Commission’s official announcement.

According to ECM, individuals, political parties and non-governmental organisations are eligible to apply to observe the counting process, subject to specific criteria. Applicants must be Maldivian citizens aged 18 or above, must not have been convicted of a criminal offence, and must not be assigned to the Elections Commission for election-related duties. Individuals applying through civil society organisations, other than political parties, must not be listed in the register of political parties.

The Commission further stated that applicants must agree to abide by the Elections Commission’s code of conduct for election personnel and must not have violated the code of conduct or been found guilty of an electoral offence within the past five years.

ECM said observer permits will be issued in a manner that limits the number of observers per political party or organisation to no more than 10 per cent of the total number of ballot boxes. In addition, only one observer will be permitted at each polling station at any given time.