The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated that officers are fully prepared and on the highest level of alert for the presidential election. MPS has launched Operation Blue Wave in order to maintain security at the polling stations.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shakir, the Commander of Operation Blue Wave, said that MPS began preparing for the election in December last year. As such, the police service formulated the relevant plans within the last eight months. He said that police officers are active at all polling stations and are fully prepared to respond to any situation during and after the polls close.
Additionally, Chief Superintendent Shakir said that teams have been deployed and that no island will be left without a police presence. He also said that officers will first attempt to resolve any situation via communication. He urged individuals to participate in the voting process peacefully and to call 119 in emergency situations.
Furthermore, MPS has instructed voters to follow the rules at polling stations and to avoid loitering after casting their ballot. The police service also urged the public to respect the rights of the voters and candidates and to wait patiently until the election results are announced. Police officers at the polling stations are equipped with body-worn cameras and MPS has affirmed its commitment to providing full support to state institutions in ensuring a smooth election process.