Maldives Votes 2018

RaajjeTV has begun it's live coverage of the election day to bring you the latest updates, information, and results of today's Presidential Election. Follow our live blog and tune into RaajjeTV to stay in the loop!

The Elections Commission has begun sending ballot boxes to polling stations in capital city Malé and voters have begun queueing up outside. Polling will start at 8:00 AM. 

The Adhaalath Party has said that the text message, sent from the personal mobile number of party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla's wife, is fake. The party said that a case over the matter has been filed with the police.

In the message, which looks like a statement from Sheikh Imran, the party leader supposes to disalign himself with the coalition due to its presidential candidate reportedly having 'ties to jews'. 

The police raid on the opposition headquarters tonight, on the grounds that it is being used to distribute funds to be used for 'bribery', has resulted in officers finding no evidence or material relevant to their investigation. 

Robert Hilton, the chargé and interim chief of the US Embassy, says the police raid on the opposition's headquarters in capital city Malé calls into question the government's 'committment to free and fair elections'. 

With less that 10 hours before the Presidential Election is upon us, British Ambassador to the Maldives and neighboring Sri Lanka, James Dauris has taken to twitter, his concerns and hopes regarding Sunday polls.

Dauris in his tweets wrote that it is understandable why so many are concerned about what "might happen on Election day".

He further went on to share "the hope it will go ahead, be free and fair" as it would be "a sad day for Maldivians and to democracy if tomorrow's vote were to be delayed".

According to lawyer Nazim Sattar, the warrant gives police permission to search the opposition's campaign headquarters for a period of 14 hours

Officers, clad in uniform have raided joint opposition coalition's campaign headquarters with a court order, following an intelligence report that the officials in the HQ are involved in distributing bribes.

RaajjeTV's "Dhivehinge Vote" translating to "Maldivians Vote" goes onair and joining us in tonight's program is Election's Commission member Ismail Habeeb Abdul Raheem to brief the public about the latest updates on the Presidential Election, scheduled to begin within less that 11 hours.

While polling is scheduled to begin at 08:00 a.m. Sunday, voters have already begun queueing up to cast their votes and final preparations for the ballots are still ongoing in some islands, with Thinadhoo island's school all set for eligible voters to stream in and cast their votes first thing in the morning.

Residents of Hoadehdhoo island in Gaaf Dhaalu atoll have queued up outside polling stations and residents of several outlying atolls continue to do so.

Supporters who took to the streets on Saturday evening in capital city Male' and outlying atolls, have concluded their final campaign activity before the Sunday election as 06:00 p.m is the timeout for all campaign activities. 

Before ending his speech at the finaly campaign gathering held before the Sunday election, Solih appealed on all citizens to "not give opportunity" to churn unrest within voters at polling stations, and to ensure the ballot procedure goes smoothly and peacefully.

“Investigative departments have been politicized and their reputation has been soiled in front of the citizens. We are coming out against injustice, to free state institutions, to bring back justice to the nation. We are coming out to bring back the millions lost in state funds. We will establish a government that abides by the principles and morals of Islam. Our government will provide basic services to the citizens without discrimination between parties and we will enhance opportunities for students for higher education. Will involve youth in establishing policies. Opposition-led government will ensure women are respected and protected like they deserve. We will ensure civil service employees receive adequate wages and we will not sack any state employees from their posts unlawfully. We will give adequate power for island councils and transport between islands will be made more convenient” Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

“Every person who has uttered a word for justice has been tagged a criminal. Several innocent citizens have been jailed unlawfully, they are going through hell behind bars, they are being slain for standing up against tyranny, and the investigations have been halted” Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

“We do not want a man who support another man who aids priests, to lead the country. Why are the opposition members trying to buy votes of citizens? We do not need the word of priests to run the country. We no longer have leaders who care for the citizens” President Yameen.

"The opposition is trying to buy votes and needs to be answerable in front of their creator when the day comes that they have to answer for their indecency. This is not how muslims must behave, this is not what Islam taught us. Islam will not be diminished in the country, we do not want another religion, So I ask you to step forth for your family members and vote for the righteous leader"

As 06:00 p.m. approaches, it is notable that supporters of candidate Solih have increased in amount and conitnue to parade down the streets of Male' city in unity.

President Abdulla Yameen has joined the ruling party's final campaign event before the Sunday election, less than an hour before campaign activities are to conclude.

Jailed former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's daughter, Yumna Maumoon takes to twitter hours before campaigns official end, states that the nation needs a leader driven by justice, humanity and kindness, someone who understands the citizen's wishes and needs.

Yumna called on all to vote for candidate number two, Solih, in Sunday's election.

As supporters of the joint opposition proceed with their final campaign activity, Solih, vying for Presidency as number two in the Sunday election, is spotted in the front-lines, "soaring" in excitement.

Former representative of Dhiggaru constituency in Parliament and formerly close ally of President Abdulla Yameen, Ahmed Nazim has taken to tweet, posting a picture of himself with opposition coalition's Presidential candidate Solih, less than an hour before campaign activities are to conclude.

Crowds of joint opposition coalition supporters parade down streets of Male' city before campaign events are to end at 06:00 p.m. Saturday.

Watch the live coverage on RaajjeTV.

Supporters of the ruling PPM continues their vehicle parade over Male' city as their final campaign activity before Sunday's ballots.

Supporters of joint opposition coalition holds vehicle parade in Kulhudhuffushi island of Haa Dhaalu atoll to end presidential campaign before Sunday's polls.