TM Highlights Key Findings from Maldives’ Electoral Observation
Transparency Maldives, an organisation focused on impartially assessing electoral processes, has released its significant findings following an extensive observation effort during the 2023 Presidential election in the Maldives.
Over 490 observers and volunteers were stationed in 20 atolls, including resorts, industrial islands, prisons, and locations abroad in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Trivandrum, India, Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia.
Observers collected qualitative and quantitative data from 302 polling stations, representing 51.5% of all ballot boxes. This approach enabled the generation of results from the sampled data to the entire population, with a margin of error of +/- 1%.
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Here are the key findings that shed light on the integrity and conduct of the election:
Timely Ballot Box Closures: Transparency Maldives noted that 10.3% of the ballot boxes closed before 5:00 p.m., with the majority (89.4%) closing between 5:00 – and 6:00 p.m., and a minimal 0.3% closing after 7:00 p.m.
Voter Registry Accuracy: While there were reports of individuals being unable to vote due to their names not appearing on the voter registry, these incidents were relatively rare, affecting less than 0.1% of all voters.
Assisted Voting: Transparency Maldives observed that 1.9% of the total voter turnout required assistance distributed across 77.5% of the polling stations.
Temporary Voting Halts: Voting was temporarily halted in 2.3% of polling stations.
Peaceful Election: Despite isolated incidents of reported violence (0.7%) at polling stations, the election as a whole was relatively peaceful.
Police Intervention: Transparency Maldives found that police entered 12.2% of polling stations, with 79% of these interventions occurring at the invitation of the Presiding Officer in accordance with the law.
Candidate Representation: High levels of candidate representation were observed, with representatives for Dr Mohamed Muizz and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih present at 80% of the polling stations.
Minimal Ballot Paper Disputes: Only 0.3% of ballot papers were disputed by candidate/party observers during the counting process, affecting 27.4% of the polling stations. Notably, there were no reports or complaints of double voting, underage voting, or issues with votes cast in the names of deceased individuals.
Transparency Maldives announced Dr Muizz as the winner of the 2023 Presidential election, having secured the required 50% plus 1 vote.
Transparency Maldives acknowledged systemic issues during the pre-election period, calling on all stakeholders to recognise and respect the electorate’s decision and maintain a conducive environment for a peaceful transition.
