"2023 Presidential Election was the most peaceful in the country’s constitutional history"

The Elections Commission has stated that the 2023 presidential election was the most peaceful and smooth election held in the constitutional history of the country.

The EC revealed this in the report on the 2023 presidential election.

As such, they noted that the political parties, candidates and the public showed patience in the election held during a politically turbulent period.

EC also highlighted the role of observers and monitors in ensuring the integrity and freedom of the elections and the fairness of the elections.

Furthermore, EC states that the Election Commission's rulings on the election being complied by political parties, candidates, and the general public; made it simpler for the Election Commission to carry out its extensive legal obligations.

The Election Commission claimed that its efforts to communicate with the parties, distribute information, and uphold a transparent system were the reasons why the election went so well.

The report also noted that foreign observers have praised the fairness and freedom of the election.

The first round of the 2023 Presidential Election was held on 09 September 2023.

A total of 282,395 individuals were eligible to vote in the presidential polls.

Unlike previous years, only about 75 percent of eligible voters exercised their right to vote during the first round of election, making it the lowest turnout in the country’s history.

The second round of the Presidential Election was held on 30 September 2023.

A total of 282,804 were eligible to vote in the second round of the presidential election and official results shows that 246,915 people voted in the election.

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has stated that the first round of the 2023 Presidential Election of the Maldives was well-handled and competitive. They noted that the fundamental rights were largely respected during the peaceful campaigns.

EU EOM noted that on election day, the conduct of polling and counting was orderly and efficient and in accordance with polling procedures, with few irregularities reported.

They highlighted that the provision of a tactile ballot guide, for the first time, facilitated the independent voting of persons with visual impairment.

Furthermore, EU EOM stated that the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) performed its work impartially and professionally, complied with legal deadlines despite staff shortages and made several procedural improvements to the administration of voter registration, conducted in a transparent manner.

Noting that the ECM also undertook a straightforward candidate registration process, EU EOM stated that the ECM’s communication with election stakeholders and its voter education efforts were limited; perceptions of the ECM’s independence were undermined due to the process of the appointment and removal of commissioners.

They stated that the electoral legal framework provides an adequate basis for the conduct of democratic elections broadly in line with regional and international standards subscribed to by the Maldives.