Elections Commission Deploys 6,587 Officials for Historic Triple Vote

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has finalized nationwide preparations for the unprecedented triple election scheduled for 4 April. ECM President Mohamed Zahid confirmed the commission is ready to conduct the local council elections, Women’s Development Committee elections, and a constitutional referendum all on the same day. A total of 294,876 eligible voters will receive three separate ballot papers at 588 polling stations across the country. Zahid, addressing the National Advisory Committee for Elections, described the upcoming vote as one of the largest electoral exercises in the nation's history. Extensive voter awareness campaigns have been conducted through television, radio, and digital platforms, with ballot guides and explanatory booklets distributed nationwide. To manage the complex process, the ECM will deploy 6,587 election officials, all of whom have undergone in-person and online training. Dedicated coordination centers and teams have also been established. Security and law enforcement have been a major focus, with police support coordinated in advance. Special briefing sessions have been conducted for police officers, providing clear instructions for election day. The commission has also arranged for domestic and international observers and monitors to oversee the proceedings, with information shared on the rules governing the voting process. The referendum will decide on a constitutional amendment to hold future presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously. The ECM's comprehensive preparations aim to ensure proper vote management and maintain the integrity of this significant democratic event.