Over 9,900 Observers Set for Parliamentary Poll Oversight

Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) Deputy Chairman Ismail Habeeb has announced that a substantial contingent of 9,990 observers, monitors, and representatives will be deployed to oversee polling stations during the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Habeeb conveyed this information in a statement released on X platform yesterday, detailing the distribution of personnel as comprising 2,952 observers, 5,018 monitors, and 1,930 representatives. 

Emphasising the crucial role of these individuals, he underscored their contribution towards upholding the principles of independence, fairness, and transparency throughout the electoral process, encompassing voting through to the counting of ballots.

Scheduled for March 17th, the parliamentary election coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. 

Consequently, the parliament has proposed an amendment to the General Election Act, seeking to postpone national elections during this period. However, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has rejected the bill, returning it to the parliament.

The rejection of the bill by the president was anticipated by the main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

 In a preemptive move, the party had previously indicated its intent to reintroduce the bill if met with presidential disapproval, asserting confidence in securing a greater majority for its passage, thus facilitating its automatic ratification.