The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has announced the criteria to station ballot boxes in other countries for the upcoming presidential election.
ECM is working to determine the number of ballot boxes and where the boxes will be placed for the presidential election. ECM has scheduled the presidential election for September 2023.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, the President of ECM Fuwad Thaufeeq stated discussions have now been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the arrangements and policies to station ballot boxes in other countries. He said ballot boxes will be stationed in countries with more than 150 registered voters. As such, ballot boxes are expected to be stationed in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom (UK). Moreover, ballot boxes may be placed in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand following the re-registration process.
ECM has set a USD7.8 million budget for the presidential election. The majority of the budget is allocated to officials and travel to the atolls and abroad. Other expenses consist of training, printing ballot papers, and other administrative work.