Voting is underway across the Maldives in a nationwide electoral exercise combining local council elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) polls, and a public referendum.

Polling stations opened at 8:00am on Saturday, with voters casting ballots to elect councilors who will govern islands and cities, as well as WDC members who work closely alongside local councils. A third ballot asks the public to decide whether presidential and parliamentary elections should be held on the same day. Voting will continue until 4:00pm, with preliminary results expected later in the evening.

More than 294,870 eligible voters are taking part in the vote, with 2,961 candidates contesting — 1,368 for council seats and 1,593 for WDC positions. Across the country, 588 ballot boxes have been placed, while over 8,000 observers are monitoring the process.

President Mohamed Muizzu cast his vote earlier in the day and urged citizens to take part, stressing the importance of public participation in shaping the country’s democratic path.

The scale of today’s vote reflects both the significance of local governance and the broader national question posed through the referendum — one that could influence how future elections are conducted in the Maldives.