The Elections Commission (EC) has released the registered population figures for all islands and cities ahead of the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections.

As required by the Decentralisation Act, the EC must publicise population statistics prior to scheduling the elections. The published data reflect the total registered population as of 30 August.

According to the EC, the upcoming elections will be conducted in line with the Decentralisation Act. The government has also proposed amendments to the law, seeking to dissolve atoll councils and reduce the number of councillors in islands with smaller populations.

Additionally, a referendum is scheduled for 25 November to determine whether separate councils should be formed for Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo in Addu City.

The latest statistics show that 83,813 people are registered in Malé City, 35,549 in Addu City, 11,110 in Kulhudhuffushi City, and 10,453 in Thinadhoo City. The most populous islands are Naifaru (5,878), Gan in Lhaviyani Atoll (5,523), Hinnavaru (5,092), and Dhuvaafaru (5,037).