Election well administered despite challenges, says Transparency Maldives

Transparency Maldives, local chapter of the Transparency International, has commended the Elections Commission for a “well administered election despite challenges.”

The NGO noted that in Saturday’s presidential election, 48 percent of polling stations closed at the designated closing time of 3:30 p.m. and 96 percent closed by 4.30 p.m.

“Despite a few isolated cases of reported violence (1.8%) at the polling stations, we are happy to report that this election has been peaceful,” Transparency Maldives said.

They also noted that candidates were well represented during the counting of ballots, which made the process transparent and more credibility.

The organization said their observation efforts ensure increased public participation and the transparency of electoral processes in the Maldives.

With Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Mohamed Nasheed having gained 47 percent of the votes and failing to secure the 51 percent needed for a clear victory, the former president is set to compete with Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) candidate Abdulla Yameen in a run-off.