Maldivians living abroad must fill out the form to reregister: EC

Maldivians residing overseas are required to complete and submit the form in order to reregister for this year's presidential election, says the Elections Commission (EC).

In response to a question whether online registration is not possible for Maldivians residing overseas, the President of EC, Fuad Taufiq said that those living abroad will need to submit their reregistration form through Maldivian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates established in their country of residence.

The Election Commission opened the reregistration process for the upcoming election on the 16th July.

However, there are two ways for people in the Maldives to register. Therefore, until the end of July 2023, citizens may apply online or submit a reregistration form by the fifth of August.

Secretary General of EC Hassan Zakaria told RaajjeMV that online reregistration is available for those who use a registered Maldivian phone number. According to him, roaming users will be able to access the service even if they are in another nation because the OTP would be sent to those phones for registration.

Highlighting that there are risks associated with sending OTPs via email, Zakaria stated that security measures will be strengthened in the upcoming elections.

Elections Commission has stated that two ballot boxes will be stationed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, four in Colombo, Sri Lanka and one each in Singapore, London, United Kingdom, Bangkok, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Trivandrum, India, New Delhi, India and Tokyo, Japan.

EC has disclosed that a total of 604 ballot boxes will be stationed across the Maldives and abroad for the Presidential Election.

EC will be setting up 61 polling stations for voters native to the capital, Malé City and 77 polling stations for outlying atoll natives residing in the capital city.

In addition to this, six ballot boxes will be set up for Malé City natives residing in Hulhumalé Phase I and 16 ballot boxes will be placed for natives of outlying atolls residing in Hulhumalé Phase I.

It has also been revealed that one ballot box will be set up for Malé City natives residing in Hulhumalé Phase II and 16 ballot boxes will be placed for natives of outlying atolls residing in Hulhumalé Phase II.

The commission is to set up six ballot boxes for Malé City natives residing in Villimalé, four polling stations for natives of outlying atolls residing in Villimalé.

Further, a total of 319 polling stations will be set up in outlying atolls, with the commission to establish 78 ballot boxes in resorts and two ballot boxes at Maafushi Prison complex.

One ballot box will be placed each, at Asseyri Jail, Hulhumalé Prison, Dhoonidhoo, Hulhulé and Thilafushi.

The commission has stated that the amount of total polling stations to be established will likely change after voter re-registration.

This year's Presidential Election is slated for 09 September. A total of 282,755 people are eligible to vote in the election