Transparency Maldives has reported that the initial stages of the voting process across all designated polling stations for the presidential election have been commendable.
According to Transparency's findings, voting commenced at 8 a.m., with a notable 85 percent of polling stations initiating the process within the first 10 minutes of its scheduled start time. The organization reported that voting started at 9 a.m. in certain locations.
It was also observed that elections officials were present at all centers well in advance of the polling hours, with candidates' representatives actively participating in the proceedings.
Transparency also noted the presence of representatives from all candidates at the polling booths, with at least three candidates represented in 90 percent of the booths. It was observed that in 72 percent of the centers, the representation of Progressive Party of Maldives/ People's National Congress (PPN/PNC) candidates were present, while 71 percent had representatives from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The organization's observers reported that 97 percent of the ballot boxes were adequately prepared to ensure the secrecy and integrity of the votes cast. Transparency's observers are continuing to closely monitor the voting process in centers where the remaining three percent of boxes are located.
Approximately 400 transparency observers are actively engaged in overseeing and safeguarding the integrity of the presidential election process.