Four boxes recounted, results unchanged

Elections Commission has on Thursday night recounted the votes in four ballot boxes following complaints, but found no irregularities with the preliminary results announced earlier.

The four ballot boxes of the Parliamentary Election 2014, held on 22 March, that were recounted were Male’ ballot box for Hinnavaru, ballot box #2 for Maafannu South, Male’ ballot box for Nolhivaram, and ballot box #2 for Medhu Henveyru.

Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, who lost the Hinnavaru election, participated in the recount process which was initiated following complaints that some votes had gone missing. The recount confirmed, as announced earlier, that Hinnavaru seat was won by incumbent Hinnavaru MP, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Only one observer was present for the recount of Maafannu South ballot box, which followed complaints that the initial counting process was erroneous. The recount confirmed that the seat was won by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Abdulla Rifau.

Nolhivaram box was recounted following doubts regarding the authenticity of a ballot paper. The recount confirmed that the seat was won by Jumhooree Party (JP) candidate Hussain Areef.

Medhu Henveyru ballot box was recounted after observers noted problems with how some ballot papers were marked. The recount confirmed that the seat was won by MDP candidate Ali Azim.