Ismail Habeeb, Vice President of the Elections Commission has revealed that the issue that surfaced at the polling booth in Rasdhoo island of Alif Alif atoll, was due to officials flouting orders.

The voting process was halted in Rasdhoo, after an issue surfaced regarding officials going against the rules.

Officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) were active in the region, after the issue surfaced and voting was suspended at around 10am.

The issue surfaced at the U02.02.2 ballot box.

Habeeb revealed that the problem surfaced when some officials were asked to be replaced, as they were involved in some political activities.

Two officials at the two polling booths in Rasdhoo island were asked to quit for violating the order. Polling resumed after other officials were recruited to replace them.

Another issue was reported from Thulhaadhoo island of Baa atoll.

The voting process was temporarily halted in Thulhaadhoo island after receiving information that a person who had come to cast his vote had taken a photo.

Further, there was also an issue of people living at the Special Needs Center not being able to vote, in Guraidhoo island of Kaafu atoll. However, they will be allowed to cast their ballots if registered. Voters may only seek the assistance of a helper in accordance with the regulations, if they are unable to use both hands, those who are visually impaired, and elders who are unable to mark the vote by themselves.