As the voting process for Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) Chairperson Election was underway, unrest at GDh. Fiyoaree led to the ballot box being destroyed, while the ballot box at F. Feeali being taken by an individual and then escaping with it.

An official from MDP's Election Committee stated that the unrest at Fiyoari's vote center occurred due to an individual who was ineligible to vote wanting to cast their ballot. They had been registered to vote in Male'. 

Nevertheless, the situation escalated, with the ballot box being destroyed during the unrest.

The official also stated that even though the box was destroyed, voting had continued. However, as questions were raised whether the votes in the ballot box would still be valid, the Election Commission's National Election Complaints Bureau is said to be handling the situation.

Another issue in the election arose at F. Feeali.

There was unrest in the island when representatives of a candidate did not acknowledge other individuals as representatives. Additional instances of unrest have occurred on the island.

"The latest issue is someone who was on the publicized list of eligible voters on our website filing a complaint that they were unable to vote. We are currently looking into the issue," said the official.

Due to unrest, the ballot box at Feeali has been taken to MDP's hub. The official also said that voting has been put on hold for the time being. 

"As questions were being posed regarding the validity of the votes in the ballot box, the Complaints Bureau is looking into the matter. They are discussing whether there should be a revote or not," the official said.

The voting for the election is being held at all inhabited islands in Maldives. Arrangements have been made for party members who live in Sri Lanka to be able to vote as well.

There are a total of 241 ballot boxes, with 240 of them being in Maldives and one being in Sri Lanka.

Voting began today at 2:30pm and will conclude at 8:30pm.

The differences of opinion within MDP reached its peak as the party split from within due to internal conflicts, resulting in former President Mohamed Nasheed resigning from the party and forming The Democrats.

He rejoined MDP much later, and is running the chairperson election against South Galolhu Constituency MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who is running with a vision of a young leadership. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who had political differences of opinion with Nasheed, is supporting Meekail in this campaign.