Wednesday
30th Oct 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Vote counting in a past elections. Photo: TMJ
The Elections Commission of the Maldives has announced that the Presidential elections will be held on September 9th, 2023. Speaking at a press conference today, the commission's president, Fuad, stated that the commission will officially announce the election on August 9th.
Candidates will have the opportunity to campaign from August 10th to September 7th. From August 10th to August 17th, candidates can nominate their representatives. The commission also stated that preliminary results will be announced within seven days of the election.
Eligible voters in the Maldives number around 280,000, an increase of over 21,000 compared to the 2018 presidential election. Ballot boxes will be kept in 50 resorts, with 145 boxes in the capital city of Male, 47 boxes in the city of Hulhumale, and 10 boxes in the city of Vilimale. Additionally, 12 boxes will be located abroad and 327 boxes will be located in the rest of the Maldives.
While the election commission has announced the date of the election, the opposition candidate, President Yameen, is currently in jail. The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is currently holding a primary to select their candidate. President Solih and President Nasheed are among those contesting for the nomination.
The Maldives, a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, has a long history of political turmoil and contested elections. This upcoming presidential election is expected to be closely watched by the international community and will be a crucial test of the Maldives' democratic institutions.