The Elections Commission (EC) has said that the conflict in Rasdhoo arose due to the removal of two observers from the voting center. The EC had revoked the permits issued to these observers, leading to their necessary removal from the premises.
Polling began as scheduled at 8 a.m. in Rasdhoo, but had to be stopped at 10 am.
According to EC vice chief Ismail Habeeb, the permits issued to the two observers had to be revoked because they participated in a candidate's campaign after the permits were issued. Habeeb said that this issue did not require the cessation of voting.
A person who spoke from Rasdhoo said the conflict began with allegations that officials representing the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had been illegally removed from the centre. The informant further elaborated that the two people who were removed had participated in the presidential campaign of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu when he visited the island. The issue arose because the two observers were initially allowed into the voting center when voting began but were subsequently removed after some time.
A video circulating on social media shows that some individuals on the island were shouting and attempting to forcefully enter the voting center. However, the police intervened and prevented them from entering the venue.
Residents from Rasdhoo have reported that the voting center has been closed for over 2 hours, and the election officials at the center are uncertain about when voting can be resumed.
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