The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has deployed 78 staff members to observe polling stations in today’s three votes.
Voting is being held for the local council elections, the Women’s Development Committee elections and the referendum on holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day.
According to the commission, its observers have been stationed across 21 islands in 18 atolls to monitor the conduct of the elections. Staff will observe ballot boxes from 6.30am until polling ends.
The HRCM said 208 polling stations in Malé will be observed at different times, while 104 polling stations in 21 islands across the atolls will also be monitored. The ballot box placed in Maafushi Jail is included in the observation plan.
Voting for the three elections began at 8am and will continue until 4pm.