The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has opened registrations for individuals with visual impairments to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election.
Previously, visually impaired individuals relied on assistance from others to cast their votes. However, with the introduction of a plastic template in the last presidential election, the visual impaired can now vote independently, ensuring both privacy and autonomy.
Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb highlighted that the registration process is now open for visually impaired individuals that wish to vote without assistance. He said that the period for registration using the plastic template is from January 21 to February 4. He also said that interested individuals can register by calling 1414 hotline, available from 0800 to 1000hrs on official working days and from 0900 to 1000hrs on public holidays. In additon, the service will be accessible from 1500 to 1800 on Fridays.
The parliamentary elections are scheduled for March 17 and the ECM is focused on finalising the voters' list in preparation for the upcoming electoral process.