EC responds to MDP's concerns: Council election results to take priority, referendum votes to be counted later
Responding to concerns raised by the MDP regarding upcoming elections, the Elections Commission (EC) stated that further re-registration opportunities cannot be provided due to time constraints. However, the Commission confirmed that observers will be permitted in constituencies where candidates are not contesting and clarified that priority will be given to council election results during the counting process. Additionally, the EC highlighted ongoing efforts to conduct public awareness programs for the referendum and ensure equitable opportunities for all political parties.
President of the Elections Commission, Mohamed Zahid. | Elections Commission | Elections Commission
The Elections Commission has responded to concerns raised by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) regarding the upcoming local council elections, Women’s Development Committee elections, and public referendums.
In a letter addressed to the MDP’s acting chairperson, Abdulla Ghafoor Moosa, the Elections Commission shared its decision on how it intends to proceed following deliberations on the matters proposed by the party.
The Elections Commission (EC) stated that it has facilitated the appointment of observers for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in constituencies where the party is not fielding candidates, following concerns raised regarding their absence in those areas.
In response to the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) request to lower the minimum requirement for placing ballot boxes abroad and to reopen the re-registration process, the Elections Commission (EC) stated that the legal procedures have already been followed, including the publication of the voter list, the period for filing complaints, and the initial re-registration window. The Commission further noted that a second opportunity for re-registration had already been provided, which included the locations designated for overseas ballot boxes for the upcoming referendum.
The Elections Commission (EC) stated that during its meeting with the MDP on the 12th of this month, it clarified that no further opportunities for re-registration could be provided. The Commission noted that the final voters' list had already been published, and considering the remaining timeline before election day, additional registration is not feasible due to the logistical arrangements and administrative tasks required for ballot paper preparation.
Furthermore, the Elections Commission (EC) stated that while there were requests to announce the referendum results first, the local council and Women's Development Committee (WDC) elections remain the most highly anticipated outcomes for candidates and residents across the islands. Consequently, the EC has decided that the ballots for these two elections will be counted and processed before the referendum results.
The Elections Commission (EC) stated that over 8,900 individuals will be active in observing and monitoring polling stations across the country. The Commission further noted that a significant number of monitors are expected to remain engaged throughout the voting process, the counting of ballots, and until the final results are announced to ensure oversight of the proceedings.
Regarding the referendum, the Commission stated that efforts are already underway to raise public awareness. The Elections Commission also noted that it is in communication with the Public Service Media (PSM) to ensure that all political parties are provided with equal opportunities.
The MDP has highlighted four critical issues regarding the organization of the election that raise concerns about the integrity of the vote.
