Voting in the presidential election continues, in compliance with the relevant acts and regulations, across 472 ballot boxes placed in the Maldives, and in 4 countries abroad.
A total of 262,135 people are eligible to vote in the presidential election. Almost all ballot boxes were opened by the prescribed time in the presence of polling station officials. Voting is taking place in the presence of representatives of candidates, observers and monitors. In this regard, 945 representatives of candidates, 2,610 local observers and international observers from 11 agencies, and 3,329 local monitors and a number of international monitors are active in the election.
Contrary to some media reports, the Elections Commission has confirmed the same procedures used in previous elections, with regard to counting of votes, and announcing of interim results will be used in this election, unless changed by law.
A National Complaints Bureau has been set up by the Elections Commission to review complaints regarding the voting process. The Elections Commission has said that it has already responded to 112 of 129 complaints received. No incidence of irregularity has been reported across the country, so far.
Meanwhile, the voting time has been extended until 1900hrs, to allow maximum number of eligible voters to practice their rights, according to the electoral body of Maldives.