Prime warehouse fire prompts evacuation of nearby election center

A fire has broken out inside the Prime warehouse on Izzuddin Magu in Male' City, prompting the evacuation of the nearby election center.

The fire originated in a warehouse near M. Thoiba Mosque. A source in the area told Sun the incident occurred at around 21:30.

In a post on X, the Election Commission (EC) said the election center is adjacent to the warehouse. The commission confirmed that no election documents have been damaged, but said staff are now clearing the center as a precaution.

The EC has also suspended the process of signing the final voter register by candidates’ representatives. A new date will be announced later.

The incident comes as preparations are underway for two major votes scheduled for the 4th of next month, the referendum on merging the presidential and parliamentary elections, and the local council elections.

MNDF firefighters and police officers are currently working to extinguish the blaze.