''I have come here to exercise my rights''

"I have come here to exercise my right," Ainthu said. She cast her vote while seated in a wheelchair, accompanied by her husband.

Ainthu's spouse, Ahmed Rasheed, who accompanied her to the polling station, highlighted the importance of exercising the right to vote as polling began at 8:00 a.m. today. He said that today's vote represents the singular opportunity for any Maldivian citizen to shape the country's leadership for the next five years, viewing it as the significant civic duty.

Adam, who accompanied his 80-year-old mother to Majeedhiyya School for voting, echoed a similar sentiment. He shared that despite her age, his mother, Fathimath Ahmed, has taken part in every election, emphasizing the personal responsibility that each individual carries.

Addressing the question of the impact of a single vote, Farhan, who cast his ballot at Majeedhiyya School, replied, "I am here to contribute to the democratic process, however small my role may be. Whether my chosen candidate wins or not, having my voice heard is important."

Farhan conveyed this message to everyone contemplating not voting, as the polls are set to close at 4:00 pm.