Ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) has denounced the Elections Commission’s decision to place polling stations in just seven out of the 132 resorts in the nation.

In a tweet typed out in Dhivehi, posted by ruling PPM’s Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament for Fonadhoo constituency Abdul Raheem Abdulla on Wednesday afternoon, he wrote that the ruling party doesn not believe the commission’s decision to place polling stations in just seven resorts is the best decision.

MP Abdulla said the ruling party calls on EC to revoke its decision.

According to the announcement made by the commission, 452 polling stations are to be established in different regions across the nation. While a total of 56 ballot boxes are to be placed for residents registered in capital city Male’, a total of 72 ballot boxes will be placed for atoll residents living in the capital city to cast their votes and 31 polling stations are to be placed in Addu City.

While polling stations had been placed in a total of 56 resorts in the Presidential Election of 2013, seven polling stations are to be placed in resorts for the September election and four polling stations are to be placed in prisons.

The seven resorts in which polling stations are to be placed are Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali island, Bandos Maldives, Kuramathi Island Resort, Paradise Island Resort, Sun Island Resort, and Kurendhoo Island Resort.

EC’s decision was met with severe criticism from several citizens, former attorney generals as well as the opposition coalition.