The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced that over 60 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballots by 4:00 pm in the ongoing elections.
According to data released by the Commission, voter turnout currently stands at 62.98 per cent, representing 185,709 individuals. This figure includes 92,567 women and 93,142 men.
A total of 294,876 people are eligible to vote in this election. The Commission noted that 109,167 individuals, or 37.02 per cent of the electorate, have yet to cast their votes.
Three separate polls are being held today: the Local Council Elections, the Women’s Development Committee Elections, and a nationwide referendum.
The referendum seeks public opinion on a proposed constitutional amendment to hold Presidential and Parliamentary elections concurrently on the same day, which would involve shortening the term of the current Parliament.
To ensure an efficient and accessible process, authorities have deployed 588 ballot boxes across the country’s various regions. Polling is scheduled to continue without interruption until 5:00 pm today, following an extension of voting hours by the ECM.