The People's National Congress today opened candidate nominations for the next round of local council and women's development committee elections, marking the start of one of the most open selection processes in the party's history. Nominations will remain open for three weeks across all twenty atolls.
Party leadership said the process has been deliberately designed to lower the barrier for first-time candidates — particularly young people and women — while keeping the standards of public service high. Members can submit their interest online or at any island branch office.
A wider door, a higher bar
Under the new framework, every prospective candidate is assessed against a published set of criteria covering community service, integrity and a commitment to the party's manifesto. The criteria are the same for every island, removing the discretion that once shaped local selections.
We are not looking for the loudest voice in the room. We are looking for the people their neighbours already trust.
Branch secretaries will hold open information sessions in the coming days to walk members through the requirements and answer questions. The party has also committed to publishing the full list of approved candidates once vetting is complete, in the interest of transparency.
What happens next
- Nominations open for three weeks across all atolls.
- An independent panel reviews each submission against the published criteria.
- Approved candidates are announced publicly, island by island.
- Campaign support and training begins for every confirmed candidate.
Members who wish to stand are encouraged to speak with their island branch or begin the process through the party's membership portal. The party reaffirmed that participation is open to every member in good standing, regardless of how long they have held membership.