Maldives Adds Malaysia as Overseas Voting Location for Presidential Election

Maldives Adds Malaysia as Overseas Voting Location for Presidential Election

More Ballot Boxes for Second Round of Voting

The Elections Commission of the Maldives has revealed plans to increase the number of ballot boxes to 586 for the second round of the 2023 Presidential Election. This represents a 12-box increase compared to the first round of election. The new additions will be spread across Male’ with four extra boxes, Hulhumale’ Phase One and Phase Two with two and four boxes respectively, Villimale’ with one box, and finally, Trivandrum in India with one box.

Malaysia Joins List of Overseas Voting Locations

The second round of the presidential election will also feature overseas voting with nine ballot boxes stationed in five different countries. The new entrant to this list is Malaysia with three ballot boxes in Kuala Lumpur. Other locations include Colombo in Sri Lanka and Trivandrum in India with two boxes each, and one box each in London, United Kingdom, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Improved Voting Process

In an attempt to enhance the voting process, the Elections Commission has relocated 43 polling stations, which were previously in cramped spaces during the first round, to more spacious locations. The aim is to ensure voters can exercise their franchise in a more conducive environment.

Recap of the First Round of Voting

During the first round of voting, a total of 574 ballot boxes were used. Out of these, 142 polling stations catered to voters from the capital city, Male’, and other island residents residing in Male’ City. The atolls outside the capital had 319 polling stations, while 65 ballot boxes were placed in resorts and five in prison complexes.

Voter Eligibility and Participation

The first round saw 282,395 people eligible to vote. With the addition of 408 new voters, this number has now increased to 282,807 for the second round. However, only about 80% of eligible voters participated in the first round of voting.

Run-off Election between Front Runners

The second round of voting is essentially a run-off election between front runners Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This is due to the fact that none of the candidates secured the simple majority of votes required to win in the first round of the election. The outcome of this second round will be instrumental in shaping the future political landscape of the Maldives.