Elections Commission Launches Final Ballot Box Distribution for April 4 Vote

The Elections Commission of Maldives has commenced the critical nationwide distribution of ballot boxes and electoral materials, finalizing logistics for the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections and a public referendum on April 4. Initiated on Saturday, the operation employs a phased strategy using aerial and maritime routes to supply 347 polling centers across the archipelago. All essential items, including ballots and boxes, are being dispatched to ensure stations are fully equipped before polling day. Aerial transport was utilized on March 28 for the atolls of Haa Alifu, Raa, Thaa, Laamu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, and Seenu, alongside Fuvahmulah and Addu cities. Maritime vessels are concurrently delivering materials to Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Baa, Lhaviyani, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu, Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Dhaalu. While most deliveries are expected to conclude tonight, Kaafu Atoll is scheduled for March 30 and 31. The Maldives Police Service is providing security assistance to safeguard the transport process. These preparations support a democratic event where 294,876 registered citizens are eligible to vote. To facilitate an orderly process, the commission urges voters to verify registration by texting ‘VR’ and their identity card number to 1414, and to confirm their designated polling centers in advance.