Parliamentary Elections 2024

The three individuals who were taken into police custody in the security operation launched in connection with the parliamentary elections, have been released

This was revealed by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) a little past 10pm on Sunday.

The police institution revealed that one was arrested for allegedly showing their vote paper, at a polling station in Malé City earlier in the day.

The remaining two were arrested for allegedly obstructing the voting process and attempting to churn chaos at a polling station in Fiyoaree island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll.

MPS on Thursday launched an operation titled "Operation Blue Tide", to ensure the safety measures in place for the parliamentary polls.

Police teams are active across the Greater Malé Region as well as outlying atolls, as part of the operation.

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has noted that all the voting activities for the parliamentary elections held on Sunday were conducted peacefully, overall.

The commission also pointed out that the work and arrangements made by the Election Commission for Sunday's elections, were very good overall.

As the counting of votes for the elections is currently underway, HRCM urged everyone to accept the decision taken by the people in the democratic process and respect the decision and ensure that the political atmosphere of the country does not go on a downward spiral.

Once the counting of votes is completed, the commission will make public the report on the issues raised during the observation of the elections.

EC has revealed that candidates are not allowed to celebrate their victories until 6am, Monday, through any activity.

Vote counting is currently underway.

Following the closing of queues, the process of counting votes has begun in some polling stations.

Queues are closed.

EC revealed that 207,693 voted by 5pm, including 102,867 women and 104,826 men.

This means 72.96 percent of the eligible voters, came out to vote.

Only 76,970 voters did not cast their ballots by 5pm, making up 27.04 percent of the eligible voters.

Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr. Shahabuddhin Yaqoob Quraishi has stated that it was noticeable how in the Maldives, prisoners were allowed to vote.

Stating that this is not done in India, Dr. Shahabuddhin noted that this is an interesting thing India should learn from Maldives.

Highlighting that they went to many polling stations, Dr. Shahabuddhin stated that it was extremely peaceful, orderly and civilized, and that the staff were polite and voters were also very well-behaved.

He said that it was very satisfying to see and that it was a very peaceful election.

Dr. Shahabuddhin added that it was noteworthy how staff was helpful to those in need, visually impaired persons and voters who were physically challenged, stating that they were assisted properly.

Highlighting that polling started on the dot, Dr. Shahabuddhin stated that there was nothing of concern at all and that he had compared notes with his colleagues, all of whom had the same feedback.

Russian nationals in the Maldives to observe Sunday's polls spoke to RaajjeMV after voting queues began closing.

They said that they had visited several polling stations in Malé Hulhumalé and Villimalé, making up to 10 percent. They also visited polling stations in prison complexes.

The Russian observers stated that the process was convenient for voters, as several polling stations were set up and it was also convenient for observation.

Adding that organizers followed procedures and there were no violations, the Russian observers stated that all procedures were observed at the prison facilities too.

They noted that voting is accessible to all voters and any person could come and clearly see how the procedure is carried out. They also noted how there were many EC officials who helped voters navigate their way through the polling stations to ensure precise polling. Further, they stated that it was convenient that there was an SMS service in place for voters to understand an exact location they had to visit.

This was their first time observing an election in the Maldives.

The queue at Majeediyya School has closed.

Amid the ongoing nationwide voting, police officers stationed across Gaaf Alif Atoll remain vigilant, dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all.

Amid the ongoing nationwide voting, police officers stationed across Gaaf Alif Atoll remain vigilant, dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all.

Polling stations set up in resorts for the parliamentary elections.

Only 30 minutes remain until polling stations begin closing.

EC earlier revealed that the voting period was extended by one hour and 30 minutes, to accommodate more voters.

However, the time will not be extended further.

Voting queues will close at 5:30pm.

International Observers at the coordination center's observation as part of Sunday's polls.

EC has revealed that a total of 181,406 had cast their ballots in the ongoing polls, by 4pm.

This means that a total of 63.73 percent of eligible voters had exercised their right to vote by 4pm.

This includes 88,230 women and 93,176 men.

EC revealed that 103,257 eligible voters are yet to cast their ballots.

Voting at ballot boxes set up outside of Maldives is currently underway.

Polling stations have been set up in three foreign countries including in Trivandrum, India, Colombo, Sri Lanka and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Officers active in Malé City as part of Operation Blue Tide, launched to ensure peace and security are maintained during Sunday's polls.

A total of three individuals have been taken into police custody so far in the security operation linked to the parliamentary elections.

One was arrested for allegedly showing their vote paper, at a polling station in Malé City.

The remaining two were arrested for allegedly obstructing the voting process and attempting to churn chaos at a polling station in Fiyoaree island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll.

Commissioner of Police, Ali Shujau, closely observes the efforts of Malé Area 2 officers as they carry out their roles in Operation Blue Tide, launched as part of efforts to ensure the peaceful conduct during Sunday's polls.

Officers of MPS are currently active in Hoarafushi island of Haa Alif atoll for the ongoing polls.

EC has revealed that a total of 160,158 had cast their ballots in the ongoing polls, by 3pm.

This means that a total of 56.26 percent of eligible voters had exercised their right to vote by 3pm.

This includes 77,227 women and 82,931 men.

EC revealed that 124,505 eligible voters are yet to cast their ballots.

The Election Commission (EC) has advised candidates not to interact with the public in polling areas and public places.

In a message to representatives of some candidates, EC said that if candidates meet in public places and polling booths, it can be deemed as campaigning.

The commission has asked candidates not to meet the public in polling areas and public places, at a time HRCM has received some issues and complaints linked to campaigning.

EC said it would take action if campaigning is carried out during this period.

By 1pm, 113,627 had cast their ballots for the ongoing parliamentary polls.

This includes 51,976 women making up 18.26 percent and 61,651 men making up 21.66 percent.

171,036 are yet to cast their ballots.

TM revealed that the opening of the polls was smooth and the administrative preparation went well, adding that 89.3 percent of polling booths opened by 08:10am and all polling stations were opened before 9am.

Further, nearly all polling station officials were in place at all polling stations and the materials required for voting were present and the ballot papers were counted at all the polling stations.

TM went on to reveal that 99 percent of ballot boxes were verified as empty at the opening of the polls.

Highlighting that candidate representatives and party observers were well represented across all polling booths, with one or more observers present at 93.7 percent of polling booths, TM revealed that officers of Maldives Police Service (MPS) were stationed outside of 95 percent of the observed polling stations at the time they opened.