Disputes over voters list lead to clashes in ruling party primary
Adhurey: So, with the level of interest, what you see in the polling stations is their excitement. Not unrest at all.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
The ruling PPM-PNC coalition's parliamentary primary has intensified with clashes reported at some polling stations.
Various videos of some people protesting, shouting and causing scuffles at various polling stations are circulating on social media. Thus:
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A policeman is seen trying to control the clashes near the polling stations in Henveiru constituencies at Kalaafaanu School
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Videos have been released showing people complaining and expressing their dissatisfaction with the voting arrangements in Henveiru stadium
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Dunya Maumoon, who is contesting the primary for the Hulhumale South constituency, has also posted a video on X
"I have heard that during the current voting for Hulhumale south constituency, people are very dissatisfied with some voting issues. This [problem] is, according to the protesters, that there are ballot papers from another constituency in this ballot box," said Dunya, recording live in the premises of Rehendhi School.
"So, I am also in talks with the candidates. I feel that the PPM-PNC alliance, our party, needs to conduct the primaries in a very fair manner," she said. Even as Dunya was speaking, people could be heard shouting their discontent at the polling booth.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's daughter, Dunya said she hoped the issues would be resolved and the primary would be conducted fairly.
When contacted by Atoll Times, PNC Chairman Abdul Raheem Abdullah (Adhurey) said he had not received any complaints regarding the primary so far.
Abdul Raheem added:
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The voting process is going very smoothly; there was a slight delay in the start of polling in some polling stations
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A large number of people are coming out to vote; 90% of eligible voters are expected to vote
"This is the biggest primary ever held by a political party in Maldives. Therefore, the competition between candidates is very high. There are many people interested in the PNC ticket," he said.
"So with the level of interest, what you see in the polling stations is their excitement. Not unrest at all”.
Voting for the ruling coalition's parliamentary primary started at 10 am Saturday. Voting will continue until 5 p.m. In this primary:
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283 candidates are contesting 73 constituencies
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71,597 people are eligible to vote
Polling stations:
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Ballot boxes have been placed at Kalaafaanu School, Jamaluddin School, Thaajuddin School, Rehendhi School, Kamil Didi Pre-School and Villimale Youth Centre
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The ballot boxes for Atoll residents living in Male were placed at Henveiru Stadium
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The ballot boxes throughout the Atolls were placed at locations agreed by the candidates.
