HRCM: 77% of polling stations opened on time

77 percent of polling stations opened on time at 08:00 am on Sunday, according to the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), as tens of thousands of Maldivians vote in the parliamentary elections.

In a post on X on Sunday afternoon, the human rights watchdog said it found that 23 percent of polling stations did not open on time.

According to HRCM, it resulted from delays in preparations by poll workers at some of the stations.

All polling stations observed by the commission opened by 08:35 am at the latest.

It also noted that polling stations were well marked, with clear directions.

HRCM said its observers found no issues so far, with voting going on smoothly.

HRCM reported earlier that it is observing polling stations in the greater Male’ area, as well as 35 islands across 18 atolls, and one prison.

This includes 168 polling stations in greater Male’, 93 in the atolls, and two in prison.

According to HRCM, observers will be stationed continuously, from 06:30 am to until vote counting ends, in 40 polling stations; 16 polling stations in greater Male’, 23 in atolls, and the Maafushi Prison.

The commission is observing the remaining 223 polling stations by sending observers periodically. This includes 152 in greater Male’, and 70 in the atolls.

HRCM said the observers include 25 long-term observers hired from different islands and 73 of the commission’s staff.

Polls opened at 08:00 am and are set to close at 05:30 pm. Elections Commission (EC) has said that polling time will not be extended.

Total 368 candidates are contesting in the elections for 93 seats in the Parliament, including six new seats. This includes: 90 candidates from the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC); 89 candidates from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP); 39 candidates from the Democrats; 10 candidates from Jumhoory Party (JP); four candidates from Maldives Development Alliance (MDA); four from Adhaalath Party (AP); two from Maldives National Party (MNP); and 130 independent candidates.

Total 284,663 people are eligible to vote in this year’s elections.