Observer Group lauds Elections Commission of Maldives in its … – Commonwealth

The Commonwealth Group observing the presidential run-off election in Maldives has praised the countrys Elections Commission for implementing some of the recommendations it made from the first round of voting.

The Commonwealth Observer Group said it was impressed by the Elections Commissions efforts to improve processes, including around the protection of secrecy of the ballot - which included relocation of some polling stations to more spacious facilities and modification of voting booths.

Issuing the Groups Interim Statement at a press conference in the capital,Mal, the former President of the Republic of Seychelles and Chairof the Commonwealth Observer Group, H.E. Danny Faure, said:

Voter verification was yet again well managed during this election. We also observed the changes introduced in relation to applying indelible ink to the voters. The additional ballot boxes at some polling stations significantly improved queue management and led to a smooth process.

The statement also commended Maldivians in the UK where the Commonwealth debuted its first ever diaspora voting observation mission. It noted that polling was conducted according to prescribed procedures, with a high degree of transparency and professionalism.

The Groups overall assessment is that thesecond round ofthe Presidential Election was peaceful and transparent, and it praised theMaldivian people for their commitment tothe democratic process of their country.

In concluding the press conference, the Chairperson said:

On behalf of theCommonwealthObserver Group, I extend my congratulations and best wishes to the people of the Maldives on this PresidentialElection and to President-electDr. MohamedMuizzu.We look forward to seeingtheorderly and peaceful transition ofpower, atruetestament totheCommonwealths democratic values.

The final report, which will set out the Groups full findings on the entire election process, and offer recommendations for consideration, will be submitted first to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and thereafter shared with the Government of Maldives, Elections Commission, political parties, and Commonwealth governments, before being made public.

Read full interim statement

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Observer Group lauds Elections Commission of Maldives in its ... - Commonwealth