ECM Adjusts Ballot Box Locations Ahead of Parliamentary Polls

The Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has made adjustments to the locations designated for several ballot boxes in anticipation of the forthcoming parliamentary election.

Originally, the ECM had intended to position 608 ballot boxes for the parliamentary election initially set for March 17, 2024. However, due to the rescheduling of the election to April 21, 2024, and taking into account changes in re-registration, the number of ballot boxes has been revised to 602.

The ECM communicated the changes in the locations of eight ballot boxes and provided details of the boxes along with their respective polling stations in the Government Gazette. The adjustments aim to mitigate congestion and prevent overcrowding, thereby facilitating a smoother voting process.

The updated locations of the ballot boxes are as follows:

• Velidhoo-1, Noonu Atoll: Noonu Atoll Education Centre (D block), Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll
• Guraidhoo-1, Thaa Atoll: Thaa Atoll School (Library), Guraidhoo, Thaa Atoll
• Guraidhoo-2, Thaa Atoll: Thaa Atoll School (AV room), Guraidhoo, Thaa Atoll
• Thimarafushi-1, Thaa Atoll: Thaa Atoll Education Centre (Multipurpose hall), Guraidhoo, Thaa Atoll
• Galolhu Dhekunu-5, Male’ City: Imaduddin School (Class 8BTEC), Male’ City
• Male’-2, Raa Atoll: Iskandhar School (Class 3B), Male’ City
• Male’-1, Dhaalu Atoll: Maldives Polytechnic (Compound area), Male’ City
• Male’-5, Laamu Atoll: Rihijehikoshi (Ground Floor), Male’ City

ECM has encouraged residents to verify the location of their designated polling station by sending a message (VR (ID card number)) to 1414. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the same number or visiting the commission’s website.

Furthermore, ECM has decided to allocate 241 ballot boxes within the Male’ City region. This includes 181 boxes in Male’, 51 in Hulhumale’, and 9 in Vilimale’. Additionally, ECM has planned to position 319 ballot boxes within the atolls, 3 boxes abroad, 34 in resorts, and 5 for incarcerated individuals.