The Elections Commission (EC) has published a new policy outlining how constituencies will be determined for city councils and Women’s Development Committees, requiring public consultation before final decisions are made.

Under the policy, any island designated as part of a city must be treated as its own electoral constituency. Constituencies must also reflect population distribution, with additional seats allocated to islands with larger populations rather than expanding constituencies within a single island.

The policy emphasizes keeping city cohesion intact when drawing boundaries. If an island or ward receives multiple constituencies, they must be formed from adjacent areas and consider existing administrative or social divisions. Population changes may trigger adjustments to previously demarcated constituencies.

The EC must create a mechanism in each city to gather public opinions on proposed boundaries. The Commission will oversee the designation, revision and management of constituencies ahead of local council and Women’s Development Committee elections. Allocation of voters on city registries to constituencies will also fall under its remit.

The number of council members will continue to follow the Decentralisation Act, and will not change even if city populations shift before elections.