The team of international observers has praised the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) for conducting a free and fair, peaceful, nonviolent, transparent, and credible presidential election.
At a press conference, Chief Observer Mahinda Deshapriya noted that voters patiently voted in queues at the polling stations and that no violent incidents were observed. As such, he said the ECM has fulfilled its duty by conducting an election that was peaceful, nonviolent, free and fair. He highlighted the important work of the ECM members in conducting a successful election, as well as the work of the officials, observers and monitors, the police officers, candidates, and party representatives.
Over 5,000 election officials were active during the presidential election on September 9, along with 1,700 observers and monitors. In addition, a total of 165 international observers and monitors were deployed at polling stations across the country. They included 143 observers and 22 monitors. Police officers, equipped with body-worn cameras, were active at all polling stations in order to maintain security and guarantee the rights of voters as part of Operation Blue Wave.