EC Voices Concerns Over Voter Turnout, Staffing Challenges After Election Postponement

The Elections Commission (EC) of the Maldives expressed concerns over Parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions' decision to postpone the 2024 parliamentary election to after Ramadan. EC President Fuad Thaufeeq and Vice President Ismail Habeeb worried about impact on voter turnout and operational capacity. The election was initially scheduled during Ramadan. EC proposed shortening campaign from 30 to 20 days for a March 9 election or extending the statutory period to 140 days. The committee recommended postponement, citing a 30-day window post-Ramadan. EC respects the decision. The current term expires 28 May, election process must start 120 days before, which would have been 19 March within Ramadan.

The Elections Commission (EC) of the Maldives expressed concerns over Parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions' decision to postpone the 2024 parliamentary election to after Ramadan. EC President Fuad Thaufeeq and Vice President Ismail Habeeb worried about impact on voter turnout and operational capacity. The election was initially scheduled during Ramadan. EC proposed shortening campaign from 30 to 20 days for a March 9 election or extending the statutory period to 140 days. The committee recommended postponement, citing a 30-day window post-Ramadan. EC respects the decision. The current term expires 28 May, election process must start 120 days before, which would have been 19 March within Ramadan.

The Elections Commission (EC) of the Maldives expressed concerns over Parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions' decision to postpone the 2024 parliamentary election to after Ramadan. EC President Fuad Thaufeeq and Vice President Ismail Habeeb worried about impact on voter turnout and operational capacity. The election was initially scheduled during Ramadan. EC proposed shortening campaign from 30 to 20 days for a March 9 election or extending the statutory period to 140 days. The committee recommended postponement, citing a 30-day window post-Ramadan. EC respects the decision. The current term expires 28 May, election process must start 120 days before, which would have been 19 March within Ramadan.

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