HRCM Monitors 263 Polling Stations During Parliamentary Elections

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) is closely monitoring 263 polling stations across the nation as Maldivian citizens participate in the parliamentary elections.

According to an announcement made by the HRCM this morning, the commission is actively observing polling stations not only in the greater Male’ area but also across 35 islands spanning 18 atolls, in addition to one prison facility.

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This comprehensive observation effort encompasses 168 polling stations in the greater Male’ region, 93 stations in the atolls, and two within the confines of a prison.

HRCM has outlined its monitoring strategy, indicating that observers will be stationed continuously from 06:30 am until the conclusion of vote counting in 40 selected polling stations, including 16 in greater Male’, 23 in the atolls, and one at Maafushi Prison.

For the remaining 223 polling stations, the commission plans to deploy observers periodically. This includes 152 stations in greater Male’ and 70 in the atolls.

HRCM has disclosed that its observation team comprises 25 long-term observers recruited from various islands and 73 staff members of the commission.

Polling stations opened at 08:00 am and are scheduled to close at 05:30 pm. The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has reiterated that there will be no extension of polling hours.

This year’s elections will see a total of 284,663 eligible voters exercising their democratic right to vote.