Key Findings from the observation, compliance and legal review of the 2026 electoral cycle
Download the final observation report
This report assesses the conduct of the Maldives’ 2026 Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Elections, and the Constitutional Referendum, based on observations and evidence collected throughout the election cycle. Drawing on long-term and election-day observation, media monitoring, interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary review, the report evaluates the process against both domestic legal requirements and international electoral standards. Overall, it finds that the elections were administered competently and that the results were broadly accepted, but identifies a number of structural weaknesses relating to the legal framework, campaign conditions, access to information, inclusion, campaign finance regulation, and electoral dispute resolution.
The report identifies five cross-cutting structural issues and nine key thematic findings concerning areas such as the referendum information environment, use of state resources, vote-buying, campaign finance accountability, inclusion of underrepresented groups, ballot secrecy, counting procedures, and post-election challenges. It concludes that several aspects of the electoral framework fell short of relevant international commitments and standards. To address these concerns, the report presents 34 recommendations directed at key institutions, including the People’s Majlis, Elections Commission of Maldives, Anti-Corruption Commission, and the judiciary. These recommendations are grouped into seven thematic areas covering legal reform, campaign regulation, money in politics, information integrity, inclusion and participation, polling and counting procedures, and electoral dispute resolution.