Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has assigned the ballot numbers of the presidential candidates.
The ballot numbers were assigned through a lucky draw at the election headquarters. Candidates were permitted to draw their numbers from the lucky draw based on the order of their candidacy form submissions.
During the lucky draw, Umar Naseer was assigned as Candidate Number 1, Hassan Zameel as Candidate Number 2, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as Candidate Number 3, and Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as Candidate Number 4. In addition, Qasim Ibrahim was assigned as Candidate Number 5, Faris Maumoon as Candidate Number 6, Ilyas Labeeb as Candidate Number 7, and Mohamed Nazim as Candidate Number 8.
The candidates have also been given one month to campaign before the presidential election on September 9. The election marks a significant milestone as it witnesses the largest number of candidates vying for the presidency since the inception of the multi-party system. Eight candidates are contesting the 2023 presidential election, including five party candidates and three independent candidates.
A total of 282,395 voters are eligible to participate in the presidential election, scheduled for September 9. ECM will be placing over 580 ballot boxes, including 65 in resorts and five abroad. As such, polling stations will be established in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, United Kingdom (UK), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).