Ballot Box Numbers May Change, but Locations Remain Same, Says ECM

The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has stated that while the number of ballot boxes for the second round of the presidential election may change, the locations of these boxes will remain the same as in the first round.

In the initial round of the presidential election, a total of 574 ballot boxes were strategically placed across various regions, including Male’, the Atoll, prisons, islands, and select overseas countries.

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The ECM emphasised that the designated locations for these ballot boxes will remain unchanged, but adjustments in the number of boxes may occur based on re-registrations.

While the number of polling stations in residential areas might undergo alterations, the ECM clarified that there are no plans to introduce new polling stations in resorts or foreign countries.

Ismail Habeeb, Vice Chairman of the ECM, pointed out that resorts and countries were provided ample opportunities to re-register during the first round of the election. Consequently, it is not anticipated that a sufficient number of registrations will warrant the placement of new ballot boxes in foreign countries or regions. Habeeb cautioned that such a move could lead to significant administrative challenges.

Habeeb further stated that if there is an excess of registered voters for a particular polling station in residential areas, an additional polling station will be established on the respective islands.

The second round of the presidential election is scheduled to take place on September 30, following the absence of any candidate securing 50% of the votes during the initial round. 

The two candidates who have advanced to the second round are Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, representing the opposition People’s National Congress (PNC), and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, representing the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).