Elections Commission of Maldives has revealed that it has been receiving over 280,000 cyber-attacks per day during the run-up to the presidential election.
At a press conference, President of the Elections Commission Ahmed Shareef expressed although the server of the electoral body has been receiving an immense amount of cyber-attacks, the server has not been compromised. Ahmed Shareef further added most number of cyber-attacks have been received from Singapore as well as Sri Lanka. He revealed the server of the commission are not connected to any other individual or government institution, not even National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT).
Furthermore, the president of the commission urged not to spread misleading information among the public, prior to clarifying information about issues related to the polls. Ahmed Shareef expressed concern about the number of questions by the media, allegedly stemming from baseless rumours and urged media and political parties alike to clarify issues, prior to spreading such information. On this note, he highlighted grievances voiced on social media would not be considered an official complaint during the process of presidential election.
Clarifying some such rumours, the head of the electoral body refuted rumours regarding how a vote would be considered invalid, stating if a checkmark is seen in line with the candidate’s name the vote would be counted as valid. Ahmed Shareef clarified details regarding those who have been accredited as monitors and observers and the reason behind the accreditation are available on the website of the commission.
At the press conference, the Elections Commission reiterated any changes brought to the election procedures are in accordance with changes brought to relevant laws and regulations. Shareef also assured the commission would not carry out any unlawful actions.
When asked about oppositions concerns about the polls being free and fair, Shareef said there is no room for the opposition coalition candidate to express such concerns. Noting the commission and the opposition candidate have been in constant communication, Shareef said the commission has facilitated the requests of the opposition within the legal limitations.
Speaking about the preparations for the presidential election, the president of the commission assured 99% of the preparations have been completed and by all measures, the polls would proceed peacefully. He added discussions and communications have been held with Maldives Police Service to assure a peaceful process.
Voting for the presidential election will be open tomorrow morning.