The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has warned that it is illegal to produce ballot papers or similar material used in elections without permission.
Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb said that producing ballot papers or similar material without permission would violate the Elections General Act. He made the statement at a time when social media users are circulating campaign posters of presidential candidates online in the shape of ballot papers.
At the ceremony held to assign ballot numbers for the presidential election, Habeeb urged the political parties to hold campaign events within the legal framework and to help facilitate a free and fair election. He also called on the candidates and their supporters to follow the code of conduct for the election. As such, he highlighted the importance of not interfering in each other's events or attempting to obstruct campaign activities. He added that candidates should solve any such issues by going to the relevant authorities.
The upcoming presidential 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.
The candidates include President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the candidate of the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and Mayor of Male' City Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the candidate of the main opposition coalition. Other candidates include the Leader of the Jumhooree Party (JP) Qasim Ibrahim, President of the Maldives National Party (MNP) Mohamed Nazim, and Parliamentarian Ilyas Labeeb, who is the candidate of The Democrats. The independent candidates are Faris Maumoon, Umar Naseer, and Hassan Zameel.
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, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).