Ambassador of U.S to the Maldives, Alaina Teplitz has extended congratulations to the people of Maldives for exercising their democratic right to vote.

While the Maldives held its Parliamentary Elections for the 19^th tenure of Parliament on Thursday, Ambassador Teplitz had taken to twitter, writing that transparent, fair and peaceful elections are “essential” to a strong democracy.

A number of international observers were stationed at polling centers throughout the elections which began at 8am on Saturday.

While Maldives Police Service revealed that the elections proceeded smoothly, officers had received training to conduct an operation titled “Blue Tide” to maintain safety and security throughout the election.