In a significant move ahead of the parliamentary elections in the Maldives, the Election Commission has announced that ballot boxes will also be placed in India, alongside polling stations in the Maldives itself. This decision comes amidst heightened tensions between the Maldives and India in recent times, with several agreements between the two nations being terminated.
Maldives Expands Polling Reach: Sri Lanka Added as Polling Station Venue Alongside IndiaR
For the Maldives elections, polling stations will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, India, Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Each of these countries has been asked to facilitate voting for a minimum of 150 individuals. The parliamentary elections in the Maldives were supposed to take place this Sunday but have been postponed due to the start of Ramadan. The elections will now take place on April 21st.
Maldives Election Commission Expands Overseas Voting: Polling Station Set Up in Thiruvananthapuram, India
According to a report by Adhaadhu.com, Hasan Zakariya, the Secretary-General of the Election Commission, stated that 150 individuals have registered in Thiruvananthapuram, India, prompting the decision to set up a polling station there. Several individuals have also registered in Sri Lanka. Zakariya noted that fewer people have registered this year compared to previous elections. Voting will not take place in Britain, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand this year.
In the Maldives, a total of 389 candidates are contesting for the 93 parliamentary seats. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is contesting on 90 seats and is considered to be pro-India. President Mohammed Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) has formed an alliance with the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). Candidates from both parties’ alliances are contesting for 89 seats. This election, following Muizzu’s presidency last year, is being seen as a test of his prestige.