The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has revealed that it will place 574 ballot boxes for the presidential election.
The latest statistics show that the number of ballot boxes has been reduced from 609 to 574. A total of 176 boxes will be placed in the Greater Male' Region, 319 boxes will be placed in the atolls, and eight boxes will be placed abroad. In addition, 65 ballot boxes will be placed in resorts, five ballot boxes will be placed in prisons, and one ballot box will be placed in Hulhule'.
ECM is now accepting complaints regarding the locations of the ballot boxes, information on which can be obtained on the ECM website and via SMS. The electoral body will accept complaints until August 16, 1500hrs. Complaints can be submitted at the election headquarters at the Dharubaaruge' convention centre, local councils, or ECM branches. Complaints can also be submitted to the Maldivian consulates or high commissions in countries that have been selected for the placement of ballot boxes.
ECM has decided to establish polling stations in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Trivandrum in India, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and London in the United Kingdom (UK).
The presidential election is scheduled to be held on September 9 and a possible second round will be held on September 30. The eligible voting population for the presidential election is 282,672 voters.
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. As such, eight candidates are contesting the presidential election, including five candidates from parties and three independent candidates.