Elections Commission (EC) stated that they have decided to place fewer polling stations in resorts in this year’s presidential election due to problems faced in resorts in previous elections.

EC member Ahmed Akram said that despite the change, those in resorts will have no difficulty in voting.

While seven resorts will have ballot boxes in September’s election, in previous elections, polling stations were placed in resorts with at least 100 registered voters. However, Akram said that they will now only place polling stations in resorts with at least 250 registered voters.

Akram said that the changes will not be a hindrance to people in resorts and that they can also register to vote in nearby islands.

The seven resorts to have polling stations are: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Bandos Maldives, Kuramathi Island Resort, Paradise Island Resort, and Sun Island Resort, and Kurendhoo Island Resort.

The opposition coalition parties have said that reducing the amount polling stations in resorts undermine the rights of voters.