The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has begun delivering the elections-related items to the atolls.
ECM officials have transported the documents and security items to the polling stations in the northern atolls with the help of the Maldives Police Service (MPS). However, the delivery of election-related items has been facing delays to due adverse weather.
Additionally, police officers have begun travelling to the atolls to maintain security during the presidential election. MPS stated that officers are being deployed in all inhabited islands to ensure security during the election. In addition, a police team has been assigned to each region to respond to emergency situations. MPS assured that the police officers have been provided with the relevant elections-related information and will maintain security in accordance with the regulations.
A total of 574 polling stations will be set up in the Maldives and five other countries for this year's presidential election. The first round of voting 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 around 282,000 voters.
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. As such, eight candidates are contesting the presidential election, including five candidates from parties and three independent candidates.