The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has held discussions with Maldives Immigration regarding visa facilitation for observers arriving in the Maldives for the upcoming presidential election. The discussions with Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Ahmed Hussain focused on streamlining the visa process for observers and monitors, according to Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb.
ECM has opened applications for observers and monitors for the presidential election. The deadline for submissions is on July 25 but the electoral body stated that it has not yet received any applications. Over 30 media organisations and civil societies have been invited to observe the election.
ECM will place over 600 ballot boxes for the presidential election to be held on September 9, which is the largest number of boxes to be placed in any election in the Maldives. The electoral body stated the presidential election will have the highest number of new voters. The eligible voting population for the election is over 280,000 voters, which includes 21,000 newly eligible voters.