The Elections Commission of the Maldives will impose electoral silence, ahead of Saturday’s parliamentary vote, at 18:00 on Friday.

The statutory watchdog said on Friday that the silence will last from Friday evening to 06:00 on Saturday, the amount mandated by the local law on general elections.

Political campaigning and candidate endorsement of any form during this period is prohibited and will be penalized.

The commission is placing over 300 ballot boxes in the capital city, across the Maldives, and abroad.

264,589 individuals are registered to vote, and 386 candidates are contesting for 87 seats.