165 Foreign Observers and Monitors to Oversee Presidential Election

In an unprecedented move, the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced that a total of 165 foreign observers and monitors will be participating in this year’s presidential election. 

The Election Commission of Maldives has accredited the 165 applications from 143 international observers and 22 international monitors who would be stationed in Maldives during the Presidential Election of 2023.
Among them, 31 observers are special invitees of the Election…

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— Ismail Habeeb (@IsmailHabeeb) August 20, 2023

This notable initiative aims to ensure transparency and impartiality in the electoral process. Ismail Habeeb, Vice President of the ECM, highlighted the significance of this international involvement, marking it as the highest number of observers and monitors ever engaged in an election of this nature.

The ECM has diligently reviewed applications from 165 entities, encompassing 143 observers and 22 monitors. These international participants are set to play a pivotal role in overseeing the integrity of the presidential election. 

Notably, 31 of the observers have been specially invited by the ECM due to their expertise and experience. These observers will be strategically stationed across six distinct regions within the country, offering comprehensive coverage.

Moreover, a group of 112 observers representing 17 associations will be actively monitoring the election proceedings across various locales within the nation. The diversity of these associations ensures a broad spectrum of oversight. Predominantly, the European Union and the Commonwealth contribute the largest contingent of observers, demonstrating their commitment to fostering democratic processes.

The collective international effort will include observers hailing from numerous countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Cameroon, Georgia, Honduras, El Salvador, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Their presence underscores the global interest in the Maldives’ democratic evolution.

At the helm of this significant endeavor is the chief observer, Vadj Varanasi Mahindra Dendra Priya, the former President of the Sri Lankan Elections Commission. Priya’s extensive experience and expertise in electoral affairs make him a key asset to this initiative, reinforcing its credibility and impartiality.

In addition to the observer cohort, a team of 22 international monitors will be present, representing countries such as France, Japan, India, and Sri Lanka. 

These monitors are entrusted with closely assessing the electoral process and reporting any irregularities or concerns that may arise.