Welcome to Adhadhu team's Election Day coverage
Check this space for updates on the local councils and Women's Development Committee elections, and the referendum on merging the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Follow our live blog for the latest updates.
Apr 4, 2026, 9:40 AM - There are concerns after the EC announced that voters will not be provided with three ballot papers and their names will be announced at the polling station if they choose not to vote in a specific election.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said this undermines the secrecy of the ballot.
Apr 4, 2026, 9:33 AM - According to the EC, voting has now begun at all polling stations across the country.
Apr 4, 2026, 8:57 AM - The Elections Commission (EC) set up 588 ballot boxes across the country. The commission said voting began at 8:00 am for 86 percent or 506 ballot boxes.
Apr 4, 2026, 8:46 AM - The voter turnout is usually low for local council elections, but a higher turnout is expected this time due to the referendum on the constitutional amendment.
Only 69 percent voted in the 2021 local council elections, compared to 87 percent in the 2023 presidential elections.
Apr 4, 2026, 7:58 AM - People begin lining up as election officials get ready at polling stations.
Apr 4, 2026, 7:35 AM - Welcome to Adhadhu team's Election Day coverage.
Voters are heading to the polls today for local council and Women's Development Committee elections, alongside a referendum on synchronising presidential and parliamentary elections.
Voting is expected to begin at 8:00 am, and the ballot boxes will be closed at 4:00 pm.
A total of 1592 candidates are contesting for the seats in the local councils and WDCs. Most of the candidates are from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
According to the Elections Commission (EC), 294,937 people are eligible to vote.
