The Commonwealth Group observing the presidential run-off election in Maldives has praised the country’s Elections Commission for implementing some of the recommendations it made from the first round of voting.
The Commonwealth Observer Group said it was impressed by the Elections Commission’s efforts to improve processes, including around the protection of secrecy of the ballot - which included relocation of some polling stations to more spacious facilities and modification of voting booths.
Issuing the Group’s Interim Statement at a press conference in the capital, Malé, the former President of the Republic of Seychelles and Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, H.E. Danny Faure, said:
“Voter verification was yet again well managed during this election. We also observed the changes introduced in relation to applying indelible ink to the voters. The additional ballot boxes at some polling stations significantly improved queue management and led to a smooth process.”
The statement also commended Maldivians in the UK where the Commonwealth debuted its first ever diaspora voting observation mission. It noted that polling was conducted according to prescribed procedures, with a high degree of transparency and professionalism.
The Group’s overall assessment is that the second round of the Presidential Election was peaceful and transparent, and it praised the Maldivian people for their commitment to the democratic process of their country.
In concluding the press conference, the Chairperson said:
“On behalf of the Commonwealth Observer Group, I extend my congratulations and best wishes to the people of the Maldives on this Presidential Election and to President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. We look forward to seeing the orderly and peaceful transition of power, a true testament to the Commonwealth’s democratic values.”
The final report, which will set out the Group’s full findings on the entire election process, and offer recommendations for consideration, will be submitted first to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and thereafter shared with the Government of Maldives, Elections Commission, political parties, and Commonwealth governments, before being made public.
Media contact
- Temitope Kalejaiye Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Governance and Peace Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat
