Vote counting progresses for the Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, and a referendum on constitutional amendments to combine the presidential and parliamentary election.
A total of 588 ballot boxes were set up for the elections, including 240 in Male’ area, 322 in the atolls, 21 in resorts and 5 in prisons. Polling ended at 5:00 pm, with counting beginning about 30 minutes after closure in some stations.
Early results show that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is leading in city mayoral races. The two main parties are securing seats in local councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), while independent candidates are leading in some constituencies.
The referendum proposes shortening the current parliament’s term and aligning presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. Early results indicate that a majority of voters are against the amendment.
A total of 294,876 individuals were eligible to vote in the elections. Turnout expected to be higher than previous elections, according to the Election Commission of Maldives.