The President of the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM), Mohamed Zahid, has announced that 72 percent of eligible voters participated in the runoff round of the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections.
Speaking in an interview with PSM News, Zahid confirmed that no formal complaints were received by the Commission until the closing of the ballot boxes. He also highlighted that preliminary records show a voter turnout of 72 percent.
“We have not received any complaints up to the closing of the ballot boxes. Based on the records we are seeing so far, 72 percent of eligible voters have cast their votes,” Zahid stated.
Zahid noted that second-round elections typically see lower participation; however, this year’s turnout was significantly higher than usual. He described it as a clear indication of strong public engagement and interest in exercising democratic rights.
“Usually, turnout in second rounds for local councils is not this high. But this time, it clearly shows the level of public interest in using the vote to express their voice,” he added.
The runoff voting was conducted in five constituencies. These included the women’s reserved seat election for the Dhonfanu Council in Baa Atoll, and the councillor election for the Dhadimagu constituency in Fuvahmulah City, also reserved for a female candidate.
For the WDC elections, the second round determined leadership positions including the President of the Kelaa Women’s Development Committee in Haa Alif Atoll, along with committee members for Neykurendhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Maavah in Laamu Atoll.
Voting for the additional round concluded at 4:00 PM, after which all polling stations closed and ballot boxes were secured.
