The ballot draw to allocate candidate numbers for the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections has commenced nationwide.

The draw commenced at 10:00 a.m. today and is being conducted simultaneously across all islands. In Malé City, proceedings are taking place at the Elections Centre in Maafannu, located in the former Drug Court building.

Across other cities and islands, ballot draws are being held at council secretariats or at venues designated by the respective councils.

The Elections Commission stated that candidates are required to attend the draw in person or appoint a representative. Where a representative attends on behalf of a candidate, a signed letter from the candidate must be submitted, specifying the representative’s name and national ID number, along with a copy of their ID card. The representative must also present the original ID card at the time of the draw.

If neither the candidate nor an appointed representative is present, an official of the Elections Commission will conduct the draw on the candidate’s behalf.

Meanwhile, the Commission confirmed that 32 candidates have withdrawn from the elections ahead of the deadline for finalising the ballot order.

Elections Commission President Mohamed Zahid stated that 31 of those who withdrew were contesting Women’s Development Committee seats, while one candidate withdrew from the Local Council elections.

A total of 2,994 candidates had initially submitted nominations to contest in the elections scheduled for 4 April. Following the withdrawals, 2,962 candidates remain in the race.