President: Not expecting any major issues with election

No major issues are expected with the ongoing Local Council Election, reports President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Speaking to press after casting his vote at the Center for Higher Secondary Education polling station this Saturday morning, President Yameen said he had been receiving some complaints over the election, which are being relayed to the Elections Commission through the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

“But it doesn’t seem likely there will be any major issues. The Elections Commission is very well prepared. The date for election has gone through a number of changes. I have heard of small issues, but god willing, they won’t turn out to be major issues,” said President Yameen.

He said the authorities will attend to any issues.

“Issues arise during voting. I personally don’t see any issue with casting a vote. Because in a democracy, a person’s vote shows his choice. So a vote will show the choice of the majority of the people. So the issues will not come up during voting. The people will cast their vote depending on the campaigning, the strength of the parties, and the relationship between the party and the people. So I don’t believe any issues should arise,” said President Yameen.

President Yameen said he hoped the people will vote for the peace and development of the country.

“And since I am a member of PPM, I hope the people will support our candidates,” said President Yameen.

1,483 candidates are competing for 664 council seats at the council election this year.

420 ballot boxes have been kept across Maldives and two ballot boxes in neighboring Sri Lanka for the election.