Transparency Maldives: Smooth Start to 2024 Parliamentary Election

Transparency Maldives (TM), an anti-corruption NGO, has released a press statement today regarding its observation of the opening of polls for the 2024 Parliamentary Election.

With a network of observers deployed across the Maldives, including Malé, the atolls, and even prisons, as well as abroad in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the organisation expressed gratitude towards the approximately 270 observers and volunteers who are actively engaged in observing and assisting in the election processes across 205 ballot boxes.

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In observing the election proceedings, Transparency Maldives has been evaluating both the events of election day itself and the broader electoral and political landscape in the lead-up to the polls. The organisation asserts that the results it reports are indicative of the overall situation across the country.

At the time of the opening of the polls, Transparency Maldives noted several key points:

• The opening of the polls was described as smooth, with administrative preparations proceeding effectively. By 8:10 am, 89.3% of polling stations had opened, with all stations operational before 9:00 am.
  
  
• The presence of polling station officials was nearly universal across all stations.
  
  
• Essential voting materials were available, and ballot papers were counted at all polling stations. Furthermore, 99% of ballot boxes were confirmed as empty at the outset of voting.
  
  
• Both candidate representatives and party observers were well-represented, with one or more observers present at 93.7% of polling stations.
  
  
• Police presence was observed outside 95% of the monitored polling stations at the opening.
  
  
• Ballot secrecy measures were in place at 96% of polling stations, although Transparency Maldives expressed intent to closely monitor the remaining 4% where secrecy may be compromised due to polling station layout.
  
  

Transparency Maldives urged all political parties to maintain a peaceful climate throughout the election process and encouraged the public to participate by exercising their right to vote. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to continue observing the polls until they close and the results are announced.