ECM to establish electronic system for re-registration process

Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has revealed plans to establish an electronic system in order to make the re-registration process for the upcoming Local Council elections, more efficient.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s “Fala Surukhee” program on Sunday night, Vice President of the commission, Amjad Musthafa revealed that the biggest issue they face during elections is difficulties faced during the re-registration process.

During the Presidential Elections held in September 2018, the most complaints received by the commission were regarding re-registration, Amjad added, revealing ECM’s ongoing efforts to establish the electronic system.

Further, Amjad stated that if the commission’s findings reveal that such a system may be established in the country, they will be placing electronic machines in some locations which will make the re-registration process easier for the voters.

Based on previous experiences, ECM has also decided to place more ballot boxes across the nation for the Local Council elections.

Amjad further revealed that ECM highly prioritizes paving a way for voters to cast their ballots without having to queue up for longer hours.

While three sheets of the results are required to be prepared for each constituency during the Local Council elections, the ballot counting process takes as long as two days to complete as several candidates vie during this election.

Further, Amjad revealed the commission’s plan to introduce carbonless paper for the upcoming election.