Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has said ongoing government initiatives will further strengthen local councils and deepen the country’s decentralisation efforts.
In a social media statement, the Minister highlighted that empowering local governance remains a central policy of President Mohamed Muizzu. He noted that the administration has taken concrete steps to support councils, including infrastructure development and the allocation of key resources such as uninhabited islands.
According to the Minister, the President’s visits to islands across the country and his direct engagement with councils and communities form part of a broader strategy to enhance local governance. Efforts are also underway to improve council operations, including addressing space limitations, upgrading management systems, and renovating aging council facilities.
Meanwhile, the Elections Commission of Maldives has begun distributing ballot boxes and election materials nationwide, marking a key logistical phase ahead of the Local Council Elections scheduled for 4 April 2026.
The large-scale operation is supplying 347 polling stations for the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections, as well as a public referendum. Materials, including ballots and essential equipment, are being transported via both air and sea under a phased distribution plan.
Air transport was used on 28 March to deliver materials to several atolls, including Haa Alifu, Raa, Thaa, Laamu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, and Seenu, along with Fuvahmulah and Addu City. Sea transport is being used to supply other regions such as Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Baa, Lhaviyani, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu, Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Dhaalu.
Most deliveries are expected to be completed within a few days, while distribution to Kaafu Atoll is scheduled for 30 and 31 March. The Maldives Police Service is assisting to ensure the safe transport of materials.
These preparations are in support of a nationwide vote in which 294,876 eligible voters are expected to participate. To streamline the process, the commission has advised voters to confirm their registration by sending ‘VR’ along with their ID number to 1414, and to verify their assigned polling locations ahead of election day.
