ECM Announces Changes in Voting Rules

MV+ News Desk | September 4, 2023

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has revealed alterations to the voting process today ahead of Saturday’s presidential election. 

In accordance with constitutional and legal mandates regarding the secrecy of votes, the Commission has addressed concerns raised by certain parties regarding the use of different colored pencils for marking ballots.

The revised regulations stipulate that only ordinary black or blue pens should be used for voting. Any other marking instrument, including a different coloured pen, will render the ballot paper invalid. 

ECM stated that voters do not need to bring their own pens, as polling stations will provide the appropriate stationery.

Regarding the invalidation of votes, it was emphasised that any ballot with more than one mark will be deemed invalid. 

Additionally, marking the ballot paper in any manner other than the specified positive or correct mark, including drawing or writing various symbols, will result in the nullification of the vote.

In a departure from previous local council elections, the arrangement of polling booths has been modified to ensure that polling officials can see the voter from behind. This change was prompted by discussions within the National Advisory Committee, as the Commission believed it to be the most effective way to maintain the secrecy of the election.

Preparations of the polling stations will commence on Friday night, with voting scheduled for Saturday. The government has declared both Saturday and the following Sunday as public holidays in anticipation of the election.

ރިއެކްޝަންސް
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LATEST