The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has received more than 1,700 applications for polling station representatives for the upcoming presidential election.
Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb disclosed that a total of 1,735 applications have been received per polling station, encompassing each political party or individual candidate. As such, the applications include 458 from the primary ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), 217 from the Jumhooree Party (JP), 548 from the People's National Congress (PNC), 271 from the Maldives National Party (MNP), and 241 from The Democrats.
ECM stated that it had received a total of 9,887 applications from 4,545 monitors, 3,607 observers and 1,735 delegates. ECM also noted the participation of more than 150 foreign officials taking part as observers in the election. The electoral body is actively engaged in verifying and accrediting the submitted applications.
ECM stated that there are 574 polling stations for the presidential election, with 14 individuals slated to observe and monitor each station. The notable participation of individuals motivates the electoral body to ensure a lawful and well-regulated conduct of the election.
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.