The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has stated that there is currently no environment in the country to adopt an e-voting system and that there are no plans to consider such an option. The commission revealed the information in response to questions raised by members of the Parliament’s Budget Committee.
Speaking at the Committee, President of ECM Mohamed Zahid said the budget allocated to the commission for the upcoming year is insufficient to fulfill its legal responsibilities. While the budget allocated for next year’s local council elections is adequate, challenges may arise if a by-election becomes necessary, he noted.
Zahid noted that a significant portion of ECM’s funds is directed towards awareness programmes aimed at strengthening the democratic system. However, the budget for next year has not taken the programme into consideration, he said.
Regarding the potential reduction of ECM's expenditure, Committee members inquired regarding the introduction of e-voting. Responding to the question, Zahid clarified that the commission had no such intention, and emphasised that the existing voting system is trusted by the public. He added that the Maldives is not ready to move towards an e-voting system.
"Given the technology and accessibility available, it may not be technically difficult to implement e-voting in the same way it is done in other countries. But we believe that elections must be conducted in a manner that is accepted by the people, within a system that determines who will lead the nation and shape its future,” he said.
Zahid further said that public trust in e-voting could only be established in the future if political parties cooperate in its implementation.
The ECM also requested the Budget Committee to allow the commission to use its budget with greater autonomy.