170 complaints filed regarding three elections; legal recourse available if Commission's response is unsatisfactory: Zahid
A record-breaking 215,346 eligible voters participated in the elections held this April, marking the highest turnout ever recorded for such an election. Election Commission President Zahid noted that a total of 170 complaints were filed regarding the process, further stating that any parties dissatisfied with the Commission's response have the right to appeal their cases to the High Court within 14 days.
The President of the Elections Commission (EC), Mohamed Zahid, speaking regarding matters related to elections. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
The President of the Elections Commission (EC), Mohamed Zahid, has stated that 170 complaints were submitted regarding the three elections held on April 4.
In an interview with the media on Saturday regarding the 2026 Local Council and Women's Development Committee elections, as well as the public referendum, Zahid stated that out of 294,876 eligible voters, 215,346 individuals fulfilled their civic duty. He further noted that this represents the highest voter turnout ever recorded for a Local Council and Women's Development Committee election.
As with previous elections, a total of 1,626 local observers, 38 international observers, 4,021 candidate representatives, and 3,275 monitors were active across the Maldives to oversee the electoral process. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and commendation to all observers and monitors for the vital role they played throughout the various stages of this election.President of the Elections Commission (EC), Mohamed Zahid
Noting that the elections were conducted in a free and fair manner, Zahid stated that the National Compliance Bureau received a total of 170 complaints regarding the proceedings. He added that these complaints are currently being addressed following the necessary legal reviews.
Zahid stated that anyone dissatisfied with the response provided by the Commission regarding complaints submitted to the National Compliance Bureau in relation to the election has the right to appeal the matter to the High Court of the Maldives.
Zahid stated that such cases can be submitted to the High Court of the Maldives within a 14-day period, effective from today.
Despite Zahid's remarks, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had already raised numerous concerns prior to the three elections, filing formal complaints with both the Elections Commission (EC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). However, the party alleges that no investigations were conducted, further claiming that both commissions have been heavily influenced by the government.
