Elections Commission of Maldives has reopened opportunity to submit proposals to print the ballot papers for the upcoming parliamentary elections after nullifying the initial notice seeking tenders. The initial notice was dismissed as enough proposals were not received during the timeframe given, according to the Elections Commission.
Electoral body revealed only two parties expressed interest to print the ballot papers for the upcoming parliamentary election, during the duration given. In this regard, Elections Commission stated M7 Print Private Limited and Novelty Printers and Publishers submitted bids to print ballot papers for the April 6 polls as required by the commission. Interested parties were asked to submit tenders before March 10.
Elections Commission added, although three parties attended the information session held by the commission, one proposal was disqualified during the process, as they did not meet set requirements.
M7 Print Private Limited printed the ballot papers for the September 2018 presidential election. Several concerns were raised regarding the procedure through which M7 Print Private Limited was awarded the bid to print ballot papers for the last presidential election.
A case was also filed with the Supreme Court regarding the issue. Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of proper mechanisms with regard to security features on ballot papers.
Elections Commission has decided to use the same security features and security seal in the ballot papers for the parliamentary elections to be held on April 6.