Isolated clashes broke out near a polling station at Gadhdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll on Saturday, marking the first reported incident of election-day violence, according to the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
The disturbance occurred when a group of individuals entered a designated ballot-marking booth inside the station and attempted to alter its structure, potentially compromising voter privacy and electoral integrity.
Police units stationed at the location as part of the nationwide "Operation Blue Ray" swiftly intervened to de-escalate the situation. MPS confirmed that the area was quickly brought back to normal, and voting procedures resumed without further interruption. No arrests have been immediately reported.
This incident in the southern atoll represents the first and only clash reported by police since polls opened across the archipelago for the Local Council elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, and a referendum opinion poll.
To ensure a secure environment for the democratic process, the MPS is conducting its specialised "Operation Blue Ray," a framework activated for all major elections that raises the national alert level to Level 2.
The operation focuses on maintaining a visible security presence at all polling stations and swiftly responding to any threats against the sanctity of the vote.