Ballot papers that have check marks 'out of the box and with scribblings' also count as valid votes: EC

The Elections Commission of the Maldives has stated that voters may put check marks right next to the candidates they are voting for, these votes will count as valid even if the marks 'go out of box'.

Commissioner Ahmed Shareef, stated this while responding to questions posed by media at a press conference held on Saturday. He confirmed that ballot papers that have the check mark out of the box, but next to the names will be counted as valid votes.

Moreover, with the recent amendments to the law, ballot papers with scribblings along with checkmarks will also be counted as valid votes. Further, Shareef confirmed that results will first be announced at the election center, then it will be put up on pen and paper following which it will be publicized through tablet computers.

The commissioner also stated that the use of power banks at polling stations will be allowed for monitors, going on to confirm that measures have been taken against officials stationed near ballot boxes for taking political turns, however, Shareef had not shared further details regarding the matter.

Assuring media that no one else will have access to the commission server, Shareef said that the server continues to receive over a 100k attacks every day through foreign sources.

While the Presidential Election, slated for Sunday comprises of 262,135 eligible voters, the EC is to place a total of 472 ballot boxes across the nation. EC reveals that 2,610 observers and 3,329 monitors will be stationed throughout the ballots. Special representatives of candidates reach 945 and 26 foreign observers will also be observing this year’s election.