The number of voters is expected to increase for the 4 April referendum, President of the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) Mohamed Zahid has said.
He made the statement while speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, providing the latest updates on the preparations for the upcoming vote.
Although there was no specific referendum law, a referendum was held in 2011 to determine whether the people of Addu City preferred to be designated as a city or an atoll. A similar referendum was recently held for Addu City residents regarding its composition, and the voter turnout was better compared to the 2011 vote, he said. Zahid said while laws are now in place, public awareness efforts also contributed to the increase in voter turnout. While the upcoming referendum will be conducted on the same day as the local council elections, this move is expected to further encourage more people to vote, he added.
In the 4 April referendum, voters will be asked whether the presidential and parliamentary elections should be held on the same day. Zahid emphasised the importance of turning up to vote to get a true idea of public opinion on the matter.
Zahid further said ECM is conducting awareness campaigns through TV, radio, social media, posters, podcasts, and leaflets, with awareness materials also being distributed in cities and atolls, and videos shown on public transport and billboards.
According to ECM, training for election officials has now been completed nationwide. While the required number of officials have now been hired, around 6,000 to 7,000 officials will be deployed at voting stations in the April vote.