The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has issued a definitive affirmation of its institutional independence, declaring that it will not influence the voting rights of citizens nor interfere with the individual’s discretion in the casting of their ballot. The statement, provided during an interview with PSM News, serves as a formal rebuttal to social media narratives alleging that the commission had resolved to operate in a manner that would fatally undermine the confidentiality of the vote.
The controversy originated with a post to social media by a former Supreme Court Justice, Husnu Al Suood, who claimed the commission was deliberating procedures that would compromise the secrecy of the election scheduled for 4 April. Suood specifically alleged that polling officials would be directed to solicit the electoral intentions of arriving voters and subsequently issue only the single ballot paper corresponding to their stated preference, rather than the standard allocation of three distinct ballots.
Suood further asserted the body was deliberately seeking to avoid distributing all three ballot papers. These claims precipitated public criticism until Suood retracted his statements, formally conceding they were entirely devoid of factual basis.
The Vice President of the Elections Commission, Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed, dismissed the rumours as "entirely contrary to the truth." Addressing the narratives, he stated, "The enduring policy of the Elections Commission concerning electoral processes is to deliver a fully transparent election for the citizenry." He noted that because the Local Council Election, the Women’s Development Committee Election, and a public referendum are being conducted concurrently, officials "will also strive to guarantee that fundamental right for every individual who arrives to vote."
Consequently, the commission has mandated segregated ballot boxes for each category to strictly preserve the overall integrity of the election.