Voting Has Begun for Presidential Election 2023

MV+ News Desk | September 9, 2023
Photo: ECM

Voting is currently in progress in the Maldives for the presidential election 2023, signifying a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.

The polls officially opened at 8:00 am and are scheduled to remain accessible to voters until 4:00 pm. 

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This election stands out as one of the most fiercely contested in the Maldives’ history, with eight candidates vying for the presidency, including three running as independents.

A total of 574 ballot boxes have been strategically placed across the country for this election. Of these, 142 are located in the capital, Male’ City, and an additional eight have been positioned overseas to facilitate the participation of Maldivians residing abroad.

A notable aspect of this election is the substantial turnout, with 282,395 eligible voters expected to participate. To accommodate this, 285,219 ballot papers have been printed, ensuring that the process runs smoothly.

In a departure from past practices, the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has made it clear that voters must use either black or blue ink when marking their ballots. Any other ink color will result in the vote being declared invalid.

In a significant move towards inclusivity, this year’s election has taken into consideration visually impaired voters. They now have the option to use a specially designed template, which allows them to mark the ballot paper independently. This template can be used either by placing the ballot within it or by overlaying it on top.

Another noticeable change in this year’s election process is the positioning of voters while casting their ballots. Unlike previous elections where voters faced the officials during the voting process, this year, voters are positioned with their backs to the officials, adding a layer of privacy to the voting experience.

To ensure transparency and fairness, 143 international observers and 22 international monitors are actively involved in monitoring this election.

In the event that none of the candidates secures an absolute majority today, a second round of voting is scheduled to take place on September 30, ensuring that the will of the people is ultimately respected and reflected in the outcome of this pivotal election.

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