HRCM Investigating Four Complaints Related to Majlis Election

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) is investigating four complaints linked to the parliamentary elections held last month.

In a statement released to share the commission’s election observation, HRCM disclosed that a total of 11 complaints concerning the polls had been lodged with the commission, of which 3 have already undergone investigation, and 4 have been dismissed.

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According to the commission, a contingent of 88 observers deployed across 18 atolls monitored the electoral process.

In its report, the commission acknowledged minor issues occurring both preceding and on the day of the election but overall characterized the electoral process as relatively smooth and peaceful, with only isolated challenges encountered.

Highlighted concerns include obstacles encountered by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in exercising their voting rights while maintaining the secrecy of their vote.

HRCM noted that 26 percent of observed voting stations were inaccessible to PWDs, with 37 percent lacking arrangements for independent entry and exit.

Furthermore, the placement of ballot boxes on elevated surfaces posed challenges for PWDs in depositing their ballots, contrary to election official training directives mandating ground-level placement.

The commission also documented instances where the voting decisions of PWDs were unduly influenced by family members or aides, with reports of familial coercion preventing independent voting and instances of assistants completing ballots on behalf of PWDs.

Issues regarding the physical setup of voting centres were also flagged, with voters having to queue up in the sun at 9 percent of polling stations, and in the rain at 12 percent.

Moreover, cramped voting stations raised concerns over compromised ballot secrecy in 34 percent of observed cases due to the small size of the station and the way it is set up.

HRCM additionally noted infractions within voting stations, with reports of observers, monitors, and candidate representatives violating conduct standards through photography, phone usage, and political discussions.

Incidents compromising ballot secrecy were observed in 8 centres, resulting in the apprehension of three individuals by police for displaying their ballots and one instance of a voting official entering a booth.

Expressing concern over the lowest voter turnout in parliamentary elections since 2009 at 75 percent, HRCM highlighted the underrepresentation of women among elected members, with only three of the 93 parliamentarians being women.

HRCM called for immediate and long-term measures to address gender representation disparities within parliament.