The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has urged candidates contesting the Male' City mayoral by-election to conduct their campaigns in a manner that respects the rights of other candidates. The statement was made during the lucky draw ceremony held to assign numbers to the contesting candidates.
During the ceremony, Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb emphasied the importance of prioritising both the Maldivian laws and the regulations established for conducting elections. He urged candidates and political parties to adhere to the laws and regulations, emphasising the need to avoid damaging the reputation of any candidate and to ensure a fair and respectful campaign.
Additionally, Habeeb specifically addressed candidates that held high-ranking positions in the country, urging them to conduct their campaigns responsibly and set an example for the younger candidates in the election.
Furthermore, Habeeb encouraged candidates to refrain from polluting public spaces with excessive banners and flags during their campaigns. He also appealed to local media outlets to provide equal opportunities to all candidates in their coverage.
ECM announced that it welcomes complaints from any candidate but emphasised that evidence should accompany any submitted complaints. The commission stated that complaint desks will be set up at polling stations on the election day for the purpose.
ECM also requested election monitors and observers to adhere to their responsibilities and avoid campaigning at polling stations during prohibited times, citing past incidents in previous by-elections as a reason for the request.