04 April 2026 – Transparency Maldives is observing today’s Maldives Local Council, WDC and Constitutional Referendum Elections with an observer network around the country spanning the Greater Male’ area and 15 atolls. We thank the 31 observers and volunteers deployed across the country for their dedication in observing and assisting in the election observation processes.
In observing the 2026 Maldives Local Council, WDC and Constitutional Referendum Elections, Transparency Maldives is assessing both the election-day proceedings and have monitored the larger electoral and political environment during the pre-election period. The following findings are based on the observation at the time of opening of polls.
- The opening of the polls was smooth, and the administrative preparation went well. 15 out of 26 polling stations opened by 8.10am, and all polling stations opened before 9:00am.
- Nearly all polling officers were in place at all polling stations.
- The materials required for voting were present, and the ballot papers were counted at all the polling stations. All ballot boxes were verified as empty at the opening of the polls.
- 1 or more candidate representatives or party observers are present across all polling stations observed.
- Police presence was visible outside of 25 of the 26 observed polling stations at the time of opening. At one of the polling stations observed, Police Officers requested polling officers to change the layout of the polling station, which the polling officers complied with.
- Polling stations were set up to ensure a ballot secrecy in 23 out of 26 of polling stations. Transparency Maldives observers will be closely monitoring polling stations where the secrecy of the ballot may be compromised due to the layout of the polling station.
We also note with concern that the Elections Commission, at a press conference held the night before the election announced changes to the voting procedure, specifically on how voters can decline any of the three ballot papers issued. According to the Elections Commission, the voter’s decision to decline a ballot paper will be recorded and announced. This decision was not communicated prior to the press conference and not included in the training materials designed by the Elections Commission. As a result, we are concerned that not only might this result in administrative confusion for the polling officials and unequal application of the procedure but also impact the secrecy of voters.
We encourage voters to ask for all ballot papers, and to make their choice at the voting booth. To ensure the secrecy of the vote, a voter’s decision on whether or not to cast their vote should not have to be communicated with the polling officials or observers.
We encourage all parties to maintain the climate of peace. We encourage the public to go out and vote. Our observers are working diligently at polling stations and will be present at the polling stations until the polls close and the counting process begins.
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