Maldives (Commonwealth Union) _ Maldivians enthusiastically queued up to cast their votes in the country’s fourth presidential elections, a significant milestone since the nation’s democratic transition in 2008. Spanning 566 islands, 574 polling stations witnessed this democratic exercise, drawing praise from Commonwealth observers stationed across these diverse locales for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the voting process. Heading the Commonwealth Observer Group, former President of Seychelles, HE Danny Faure, actively observed proceedings in various polling stations, including those on Himmafushi Island.
Faure commended the participation of all Maldivians, irrespective of age, gender, or ability, as they exercised their democratic right to vote with patience and decorum. He said, “At one polling station after another, what our observers have seen are everyday Maldivians: men and women, young and old, and people with disabilities, exercising their right to vote with patience and civility”. Highlighting the significance of this civic engagement, he noted, “What we can see is that Maldivians recognize the power that their vote gives them to express their will in a democratic process, and they are keenly exercising this right.”
According to him, the commitment of the people to adhere to the guidelines laid out by the Elections Commission of the Maldives, ensuring a smooth and orderly process, was evident. Faure added, “As fellow Commonwealth citizens who deeply value the democratic process, our group is honored to have observed the opening of the polls and the voting”. He said that the Commonwealth Observer Group pledged to closely monitor the counting and results process and would issue an interim statement summarizing their overall observations at the conclusion of the election.
This marks the Commonwealth’s first observation of a Maldivian election since the country’s reintegration into the organization in 2020. In this year’s election, eight candidates vied for the presidency, and there are 282,395 eligible voters. Earlier, HE Danny Faure had emphasized the impartiality of the observer mission, stating that the mandate is to observe, and not interfere with the electoral process. The Commonwealth observers would comprehensively evaluate the pre-election environment, polling day activities, and the post-election period, providing a substantive account of their observations.
The Commonwealth Observer Group commenced its mission on September 2 and will remain in the Maldives until September 15. During the period, observers will receive briefings from various stakeholders, including election management officials, political party representatives, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, the diplomatic community, and both citizen and international observers. Their final report will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Government of the Republic of the Maldives, the Elections Commission of the Maldives, political parties, and Commonwealth member governments. Ultimately, this report will be made available to the public, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to democratic processes and the people of the Maldives.
