The Elections Commission (EC) has clarified that voters will have the option to participate selectively in tomorrow’s Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, and national referendum, even though all three ballots will be available at polling stations.
Speaking at a joint press briefing with the Maldives Police Service, EC President Mohamed Zahid said voters will initially be offered all three ballot papers. However, individuals may choose to receive only the ballots they wish to cast.
He explained that if a voter declines any ballot, that decision will be formally recorded and announced in the presence of observers to ensure transparency in the voting process.
“We will offer all three ballots. If a voter indicates they do not wish to take a particular ballot, it will not be issued, and that will be announced so observers can take note,” Zahid said, adding that the measure is intended to maintain accurate records and prevent discrepancies.
According to the EC, the approach is not new. A similar procedure was followed during the 2021 Local Council and WDC elections, when some voters opted to participate in only one of the available polls.
EC member Hassan Zakariyya also addressed concerns about the integrity of the voting process, stating that all arrangements have been made to safeguard voters’ rights under the Constitution.
He assured that polling stations have been organized to allow individuals to cast their votes freely, privately, and without influence, emphasizing that secrecy and independence remain central to the electoral process.
“Every voter will be able to go to their designated polling station and cast their vote according to their own choice, without any pressure or interference,” he said, adding that the commission has full confidence in the validity of the voting process.
Election Day at a Glance
The EC has confirmed that a total of 294,876 voters are eligible to vote in tomorrow’s elections, including 144,506 women and 150,370 men.
Across the country, 582 ballot boxes have been prepared for use, with security arrangements in place under the supervision of the Maldives Police Service.
With multiple votes taking place on the same day, authorities say the measures introduced are aimed at ensuring a smooth, transparent, and credible election process.
