The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has assured that it will not allow the presidential election to be undermined.
At a press conference, Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb provided details on the electoral process, explaining that ballot papers brought from abroad would not be considered valid, as the ballot papers made for the election have specific stamp and security features. He also addressed the concerns of the opposition about the potential for influence and the compromising of voting secrecy. He, however, assured that ECM will not work with any party to undermine the election.
Additionally, Habeeb said that ballot papers and the voters' lists have been sent to all inhabited islands, except for Kaafu Atoll. He said that the ballot papers and voters' lists will be sent to the islands of Kaafu Atoll on September 4, while the relevant items will be sent to polling stations abroad on September 7, and to resorts on September 8. The items are being transported with the assistance of the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
Furthermore, Habeeb detailed that the presidential election will have 3,034 observers, 3,810 monitors, and 1,490 representatives at polling stations. They include 143 international observers and 22 monitors, out of which 40 observers are from the European Union (EU).
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 282,395, including over 27,000 new 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.