President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed joined voters across the Maldives on Saturday as the country holds nationwide Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections, along with a public referendum on holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day.

President Dr Muizzu cast his vote at Thaajuddeen School in the South Maafannu constituency. Speaking to the media, he highlighted the importance of public participation, urging eligible voters to take part in shaping both local governance and the country’s electoral direction.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed voted at Aminiya School in the North Machchangolhi constituency.

Polling began at 8:00 a.m. amid extensive logistical arrangements by the Elections Commission. The commission stated that 1,592 candidates are contesting Local Council seats, while 1,368 candidates are vying for positions in the Women’s Development Committees.

A total of 1,356 seats across 225 constituencies are being contested.

299,876 people are eligible to vote, including 150,370 men and 144,506 women. To manage the simultaneous electoral processes, the Elections Commission printed 888,845 ballot papers covering the three separate votes.

Voting is ongoing nationwide, with the outcome set to determine the composition of local councils and WDCs, as well as gauge public sentiment on whether future presidential and parliamentary elections should be held on the same day.