HRCM Reveals Disparities in Criteria for Invalid Votes Across Voting Stations

MV+ News Desk | September 13, 2023
Photo: MV+

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has voiced apprehension regarding the number of invalidated votes during Saturday’s presidential election, as it shared its observations from the initial round, highlighting disparities in criteria used by various voting stations to determine invalid votes.

One notable issue raised was the differing standards applied to positive marks on ballots, which were deemed invalid in some polling stations. 

Approximately 4,800 votes were invalidated due to this discrepancy, a cause for significant concern. Muna, a representative of HRCM, noted that in cases where votes were folded twice, it raised suspicions that individuals with visual impairments might have used stencils to cast their votes, inadvertently leading to invalidation.

Furthermore, concerns were raised about the photography regulations at certain polling stations, where photographs were taken from a distance exceeding 10 feet from the polling booth.

The HRCM has initiated collaboration with the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) to address these issues and seek solutions. Despite these concerns, the HRCM acknowledged that, overall, the presidential election proceedings were conducted smoothly and with impeccable order. They commended the ECM for their efforts in ensuring the election’s smooth execution.

International delegations that had come to Maldives to observe the election also expressed their satisfaction with the overall conduct of the electoral process.

The final results of the presidential election have been officially announced, with no candidate receiving 50 percent of the vote in the first round. Consequently, a second round of voting is scheduled for the 30th of this month to determine the ultimate victor.

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