The Democrats have opened applications for members wishing to contest the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections.

In an announcement made on Sunday night, the party said it had met with the Elections Commission to obtain information on party members interested in contesting the elections. Members who wish to run have been asked to complete the required e-forms through the e-poms system before the 31st of this month. If more than one member applies for the same seat, a primary election will be held.

The party said applications must be submitted online by logging in to the my-elections-gov.mv portal using an e-pass. Once the party selects a candidate through the online process, the party can formally endorse the application. Each candidate is required to pay a non-refundable fee of MVR 1,500 to the Elections Commission online.

The Democrats said candidates who are not party members must obtain the support of 50 registered members, who can submit their support online using their own e-pass logins. Independent candidates are also permitted to contest under the name of a political party, with parties having the option to endorse applications submitted online.

The local council elections and women’s development committee elections are scheduled to be held on 4 April.