Commission urges voters to prepare for heat as three simultaneous polls take place

The Elections Commission (EC) has said that measures have been taken to keep polling stations cool on Saturday, as temperatures are expected to be high during the three simultaneous polls.

Voting for the referendum on merging the two main elections, the local council elections, and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections will run from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday evening, EC President Mohamed Zahid said weather records indicate that Saturday will be a hot day. He said the commission has worked to minimise heat‑related discomfort inside polling stations, though voters waiting in queues may still be exposed to the sun.

“Inside the polling stations, we have looked into arrangements to maintain proper temperature everywhere in the country, unless a station is already air‑conditioned,” Zahid said.

He added that polling stations in some islands were changed over the past two days to ensure better conditions.

Zahid urged voters to be mindful of the weather while queuing outdoors.

The Maldives Meteorological Service told Sun that Saturday’s heat will be similar to Friday’s, when temperatures in Malé felt above 33°C. The forecast for Saturday afternoon also shows a high of 33°C.

Generally, perceived temperatures peak between March and April each year, with April expected to be the hottest month.