Elections Commission of Maldives has decided to displace ballot boxes in 13 stations which were initially selected as polling stations for the upcoming presidential elections. The elections commission stated the decision was made as the required number of voters were not registered for the boxes.
In this regard, due to lack of voters for the box, the elections commission has decided 2 ballot boxes in foreign countries, 2 boxes in industrial islands and boxes in 9 resorts will not be placed. Following the decision of the electoral body, ballot boxes will not be kept in Singapore, New Delhi, Felivaru in Lhaviyani Atoll and Kahdhoo in Laamu Atoll.
In addition, ballot boxes will not be placed in Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Vakkaru Maldives, Amilla Fushi, Coastline Residence, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, Cocoon Maldives, Constance Halaveli Resort, Amari Havodda Maldives, Kanuhuraa Maldives and Robinson Club Noonu Resort.
With 200 voters needed to place ballot boxes abroad, only 112 voters re-registered to vote in Singapore, while 45 voters re-registered to vote in New Delhi, India, revealed the elections commission. Meanwhile, only 22 voters re-registered altogether for 9 resorts, while 16 voters re-registered to vote in Felivaru and Kahdhoo, according to the commission.
Moreover, electoral body has given until August 29 to re-register in any other boxes for those who were initially registered in the boxes in the 13 areas.
The elections commission said it will keep a ballot box in all industrial areas and resorts with more than 100 registered voters. With the changes brought, the election commission will now keep 478 ballot boxes for the upcoming election.