Polling has begun across the Maldives today as voters head to the ballot box for a triple set of votes comprising the Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, and a national referendum.
The Elections Commission (EC) confirmed that a total of 294,876 people are eligible to vote, including 144,506 women and 150,370 men.
Voting commenced at 8:00 a.m. and will continue until 4:00 p.m., with ballot boxes placed across inhabited islands, resorts, and designated facilities to accommodate voters nationwide.
Flexible Voting Option
Officials have reiterated that voters are not required to participate in all three ballots. Individuals may choose to vote in only the elections they prefer.
According to the EC, if a voter declines a particular ballot, it will not be issued, and the decision will be announced at the polling station in the presence of observers to maintain transparency.
Guidelines for Voters
Authorities have issued several key instructions for those heading to polling stations:
- Only blue pens are permitted for marking ballots
- Mobile phones are not allowed inside polling stations
- Voters must present a physical ID, passport, or driving licence — digital copies will not be accepted
What’s Being Voted On
Voters are casting ballots in three separate processes:
- Local Council Elections
- Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Elections
- National Referendum, which seeks public opinion on holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections on the same day in the future
Candidates and Setup
The EC reported that 1,368 candidates are contesting for 678 council seats, while 1,597 candidates are vying for 678 WDC positions, both across 225 constituencies.
To facilitate the process, a total of 588 ballot boxes have been deployed nationwide.
Authorities say all arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and orderly voting process, with security and monitoring measures implemented across polling stations.
