Decision made not to place ballot boxes in Hulhumale' for the North Hithadhoo constituency by-election

The Elections Commission (EC) has decided not to place a ballot box in Hulhumale for the Hithadoo North by-election, despite a formal request from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to facilitate voting for constituents residing there.

In a letter sent to the Vice President of the Elections Commission (EC), Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed, on May 5, 2026, the MDP noted that the commission’s official announcement regarding polling station locations for the North Hithadhoo constituency by-election—scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026—failed to include any voting booths for Hulhumale' Phase 1 and Phase 2.

However, the MDP stated that approximately 300 residents of the North Hithadhoo constituency had re-registered to vote in Hulhumalé for the Local Council Elections held on April 4, 2026. The party noted that requiring these 300 individuals to undergo the re-registration process once again would cause significant inconvenience.

Consequently, the MDP has requested that a ballot box be stationed in Hulhumale' for the by-election, ensuring that the electoral rights of the party's candidate are not compromised.

However, the Elections Commission (EC) stated that under the established guidelines for by-elections, ballot boxes will only be placed at the designated main center in Male' and the specific centers assigned within the respective island or city, with no additional polling stations to be set up elsewhere.

Furthermore, the Elections Commission (EC) stated that individuals who voted in the Greater Male' area will not be required to re-register.

A total of seven ballot boxes will be stationed for the 2026 North Hithadhoo constituency by-election. This includes five boxes in Addu City and two in Male'.