Early results show majority against election merger
The referendum was conducted alongside Local Council Elections and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Elections.
Provisional results from Saturday’s referendum indicate that a majority of voters have opposed holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections on the same day.
The referendum was conducted alongside Local Council Elections and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Elections.
Preliminary figures show that of approximately 1,330 votes counted so far, 67 per cent were cast against the proposal to combine the elections.
Polling began at 8:00am and was scheduled to close at 4:00pm. The Elections Commission of Maldives later extended voting until 5:00pm following requests from the public.
According to the commission, results for the Local Council Elections will be announced first, followed by WDC results. The referendum results will be announced last.
Data released by the commission shows that 185,709 voters had cast their ballots by 4:00pm, representing 62.98 per cent of eligible voters.
Results remain provisional pending the completion of the count.
