Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has advised all voters to leave the polling stations immediately after voting.
In a special session held with Maldives Police Service on the security procedures on voting day, President of ECM Ahmed Shareef noted it has been noticed in previous elections that voters linger around the polling stations after voting. He revealed voters would not be allowed to stay at the polling stations after voting, adding voters can only enter the area to vote.
The head of the electoral body said in the last presidential election, voters were seen roaming the polling area which became a huge obstacle for election officials. Shareef further said although police would maintaining the security of the polling station, the officers would not be permitted to be active near the ballot box or the voting area.
Elaborating the role of the police at the polling station, he added police officers can only enter the voting area upon a request from the head of the polling station or if the police came across information that criminal activities are taking place in the voting area.
At the meeting, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed assured the police force would be vigilant in enforcing the rule of law and would ensure the voting process takes place peacefully across the country. He also said the police will adhere the agreement made with ECM for the parliamentary elections scheduled to take place on April 6.