The Elections Commission (EC) has decided to hold parliamentary elections on March 17.
With this decision, the parliamentary elections will be held on the sixth day of the fasting month of Ramadan, which starts on March 11.
The EC said in a statement today that it had decided to hold the parliamentary elections during Ramadan due to major administrative obstacles.
The commission noted that school examinations are scheduled for the week after Eid which would mean the schools cannot be used as polling stations.
The EC also said that the decision was taken as the last 10 days of Ramadan are public holidays announced by the government.
Earlier, the commission planned to announce the election date on January 7. But the announcement was delayed due to a letter from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The MDP accused the electoral body of ignoring advice provided by institutions and acting with government influence to hold the elections during Ramadan.
The party has also requested for the election to be held after the fasting month of Ramadan.
The date for the polls has been announced today after holding discussions with MDP.
