Applications open for second round's observers, monitors, candidates' representatives

Applications have been opened for those who wish to become monitors, observers and representatives of candidates in the second round of this year’s presidential election.

The Elections Commission of Maldives (EC) revealed that those who wish to observe the process of voting and counting ballots during the second round, may apply to do so within the next three days.

The application window will remain open until 3pm, September 17.

Those who were accredited and issued passes as observers, monitors and representatives of candidates in the first round of elections will not be required to re-apply. However, if someone other than the person who has been issued the pass is replacing the latter, they may apply again and do so as per the policy.

The commission revealed that applications from the individuals who wish to become observers, monitors and representatives of candidates will be accepted at the Elections Center’s front desk, located in Dharubaaruge.

Applications will be accepted from 9am to 3pm on working days and from 3pm to 5pm on Friday.

EC went on to reveal that those who wish to become monitors may acquire application forms through their official website, and that they don’t have the option to apply online.

The second round of voting in this year’s presidential election will take place from 8am to 5pm, on September 30 and the process of counting votes will begin 30 minutes after the queues are closed and ballot boxes are closed.

Speaking on the extended time period for voting, Vice President of EC Ismail Habeeb stated that the decision was reached following extensive discussions with foreign observers, who pointed out what requires to be amended and also due to the record low voter turnout.

Maldives observed a record low voter turnout in Saturday’s first round of presidential polls.

As such, only 219,843 voters turned out to cast their votes in the first round of this year’s presidential election.

A total of 282,395 were eligible to vote this time round, however, only 80 percent of the eligible voters exercised their right to vote.

EC will be opening for reregistration from September 15 – 17.

According to provisional results announced by the commission, Malé City Mayor and candidate of the opposition coalition member People’s National Congress (PNC), Dr. Mohamed Muizzu leads the presidential race with 101,635 votes in his favor, with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who is aspiring to be re-elected for a second term through the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), came second with 86,161 votes.

Coming in third is Ilyas Labeeb from MDP’s estranged leader Mohamed Nasheed’s ‘The Democrats’ with 15,839 votes.

Independent candidate Umar Naseer secured 6,343 votes, with Jumhooree Party’s candidate business tycoon Gasim Ibrahim having won 5,460 votes.

Candidate of the Maldives National Party (MNP) Mohamed Nazim trails behind with 1,907 votes and Faris Maumoon having secured 2,979 votes.

Independent candidate Hassan Zameel trails far behind with just 327 votes in his favor.