Scorching Temperatures Sweep Maldives During Nationwide Polls
Citizens gathered outside Aminiya School, where several polling stations for the nationwide elections are set up, on Saturday, April 4, 2026 | Photo: MV+
The Maldives is experiencing unusually high heat today, with the highest “feels like” temperature of 38.4°C recorded in Hulhulé, Kaafu Atoll, as voting continues in nationwide elections from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
According to data released by the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), air temperatures recorded at 2:00 p.m. were 31.9°C in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Hanimaadhoo; 33.1°C in Kaafu Atoll, Hulhulé; 31.4°C in Laamu Atoll, Kadhdhoo; 31.7°C in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Kaadedhdhoo; and 32.0°C in Seenu Atoll, Gan.
However, “feels like” temperatures were significantly higher across these locations, reaching 36.7°C in Hanimaadhoo, 38.4°C in Hulhulé, 36.5°C in Kadhdhoo, 36.9°C in Kaadedhdhoo, and 36.1°C in Gan.
Despite the heat, nearly half of the eligible voters had cast their ballots by 2:00 p.m. The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) said more than 131,900 people had voted by that time.
The commission reported that 131,947 voters, or 44.75 percent of eligible voters, had participated, including 63,175 women and 68,772 men, while 162,929 people, or 55.25 percent, had not yet voted.
The ECM is overseeing the local council elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections and a public referendum. The referendum seeks public opinion on whether to support the President ratifying the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution Bill, passed by parliament on 10 February 2026. The proposed amendment would align parliamentary elections with presidential elections and revise the method for calculating parliamentary terms.
