The Elections Commission (EC) has stated that the upcoming Local Council Elections and Women's Development Committee Elections, to be held next year, are expected to cost about MVR 80 million.

Speaking on the state media PSM's "Raajje Miadu" program last night, EC President Mohamed Zahid said that applications for candidacy in these elections will open on January 17 next year. He mentioned that the elections are scheduled to be held in March next year.

"We estimate that this will cost at least around MVR 70 to MVR 80 million," Zahid said.

Zahid stated that holding elections is a very expensive process, and such large expenditures are necessary to ensure that the elections are trusted by the public.

He said that all aspects of the council elections will be conducted physically, and there will be no opportunity for undue influence on the elections.

Zahid also mentioned that the elections held in the Maldives are recognized and trusted by the international community.