Tag: election

Will Nasheed pull it off again in the run-off?

If there is anything unanticipated about the presidential polls in Maldives, it is the date of the run-off, second round. The Election Commission (EC) has declared that the second-round polling will be held on Saturday, 28 September, and not a week ahead as forecast earlier.

Otherwise, the Maldivian voter has given the expected verdict in the first round of polling on Saturday, 7 September. Despite hard-nosed campaigning by the four contenders, the voter has declared – for a second time in five years – that none in the race could win over their confidence and secure a mandate in the first round.

Given the contemporary nature of the nation’s politics, this time’s front-runner – and former president – Mohammed Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has little elbow room to look for willing coalition partners for the second round in order to make up for the five-percent vote-gap that denied him a win in the first round. If the trend from the past continues, it could then be a coalition of the runners-up against the front-runner, who can at best then campaign in a ‘coalition with the people’ – which did not take the MDP to its electoral goal in the first round.

It has been a loud commentary on the state of politics since the country became a multi-party democracy five years ago. At the time, the MDP was a second-round beneficiary of a hasty coalition that was put in place after the results for the first round were out. Today, the very same party and the very same candidate who came to power on a coalition platform are contesting alone, and campaigning for a non-coalition set-up for the nation.

As per the EC declaration, Nasheed cornered a high 45.45 percent vote-share instead the 50 percent-plus-one vote required for a first-round victory. He was followed by former minister Abdulla Yameen, with 25.35 per cent, Gasim Ibrahim (24.07 percent), and incumbent President Mohammed Waheed Hassan (5.13 percent). Yameen belongs to the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), while Gasim is the founder of the Jumhooree Party (JP). President Waheed contested as an independent as his Gaumee Ittihad Party could not register the revised minimum 10,000-membership – unilaterally fixed by Parliament – after the MDP and PPM joined hands.

If electoral participation is the hallmark of any democracy, Maldives has it in abundance. The first-round voting figure this time was 88.48 percent of the total 240,000-strong electorate. It compares more enviable than the high 85.38 percent and the even higher 86.58 percent vote-share in the first and second round, respectively, in the first-ever multi-party presidential polls of 2008.

With a 15 percent increase in the electorate over the past five years, the voter-turnout this time is also a better reflection on the revived interest of the first-time voters in the democratic process than was anticipated during the run-up to the polls. However, with a second-round now on the cards, the competing parties would have to keep the voter-enthusiasm at an equally high, if not higher levels, in the second-round.

Gasim’s decision on the second-round alliance could also decide if he or his party would move to the court on their post-poll allegation of more voters than the registered number at some ballot-boxes. Elections Commission President Fuwad Thowfeek, who announced the first round results five hours after the scheduled time in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday (September 8), denied the JP’s claim but has promised to look into specific complaints.

The judiciary’s position also ensured ‘inclusive elections’ that the international community in particular had sought, considering that no one in Maldives had contested the MDP’s position as the largest political party with the highest membership – and Nasheed as the most popular leader/candidate in the country. It is another matter that the judiciary at all levels had conducted themselves with the kind of dignity that political critics would not grant it – after the MDP-dominated Government Overseas Committee in Parliament had tried to haul up three subordinate judges trying Nasheed’s case.

A ‘few more thousand’ votes?

In his first reaction to the first-round results, Nasheed reportedly said that the party would launch its second-round campaign to get “a few more thousand votes” that he did not get to make for an outright victory. To be precise, with 95,244 votes in his kitty, Nasheed would have required 10,751 more votes to make it to the presidency in the first round.

Against this, PPM’s Yameen, a half-brother of party founder and Nasheed’s presidential predecessor Gayoom, declared that they would get 60 percent and more in the second-round. Clearly, he was referring to a non-MDP coalition, which would still have only added up to the higher, yet residual, 54.55 percent after deducting Nasheed’s take-home in the first-round.

Both claims read good on paper, but the ground realities are not as simple as that. The MDP leadership, cadre, and candidate needs to be congratulated for taking their vote-share from Nasheed’s 24.91 percent first-round figure in 2008 to 45.45 percent, an unprecedented 80 percent increase over past five years. Yet, with the party straining every nerve by the hour over the past one-and-half years, without leaving anything to chance, adding every new vote and every new voter (to the turnout) in the second-round is going to be more difficult than is acknowledged.

For Yameen, coalition-formation itself is the starting-point for problems or benefits – and in that order. PPM chief Gayoom lost no time in meeting party managers to discuss and finalise the second-round strategy even as the results from the first round were trickling in. Long before the first-round polls, he had pledged his support to Gasim, his own runner-up now, should the latter end up being the number two after Nasheed.

A reluctant Gasim returned the assurance much later. With his party contesting the vote-count for the second-place, it remains to be seen how Gasim – with possibly the highest number of ‘transferrable votes’ – would react. He could be expected to insist on a done-deal with the PPM (probably) not only for government-formation but also for the subsequent local council polls (December) and more importantly for the parliamentary elections, due in May 2014. It was in the absence of a fully-operational deal that he and his running-mate Hassan Saeed found themselves out of the Nasheed government even before the ink on their purported pacts had dried the last time round.

With Gasim’s JP heading a coalition itself, Yameen and PPM would also have to talk to the Adhaalath Party and Hassan Saeed’s Dhivehi Quamee Party, as well as President Waheed and his running-mate Ahmed Thasmeen Ali. It can be protracted and painstaking, which in the glare of media lights, the Maldivian voter may not be happy about – given the character of an emerging coalition of the kind, after the past five years of instability and destabilisation.

In Gasim’s company was also Gayoom’s brother-in-law Ilyas Ibrahim, a former cabinet minister with his share of voters in certain islands. Ilyas had backed ‘PPM rebel’ Umar Naseer for the party’s presidential nomination. The two walked out of the PPM to back Gasim, and he cannot be seen as deserting the duo for Yameen without having second thoughts or commitments.

Should the second-round contest go on in a predicted way, then a lot would depend on the voter-turnout and the possibilities of many of them shifting loyalties from the first-round commitment. An exhausting first-round turnout also means that there is more room left for maneuverability. An additional percentage point or two could make the difference to the results in a way. A deduction in that figure could make any second-round prediction even more complex and complicated.

The writer is a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation

All comment pieces are the sole view of the author and do not reflect the editorial policy of Minivan News. If you would like to write an opinion piece, please send proposals to [email protected]

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Commonwealth, Indian election observers praise conduct of polls

International observers have broadly praised the conduct of Saturday’s election, notably the peaceful voting throughout the day and preparedness of the Elections Commission.

In their interim statement, the Commonwealth’s observer group labeled the election “inclusive and competitive, with freedoms of association, assembly and movement provided for.”

The team of 17 monitors from around the world visited 14 atolls and observed stations opening, voting, closing and counting of ballots, as well as monitoring the campaign period.

“It is clear that the Elections Commission was logistically well-prepared for this election. Election material was distributed in time to the atolls and overall the process was well-administered. It was positively noted that significant majority of polling officials were women,” read a statement given by the Chair of the Commonwealth’s observation group, former Prime Minister of Malta Dr Lawrence Gonzi.

The group described the voter register as “accurate and robust”: “Fears expressed by some political parties regarding possible large numbers of deceased voters and voters registered in the wrong geographic area seem to be unfounded, based on the low incidence of election day complaints,” said Gonzi.

The group did observe long wait times early in the day as many people turned up to vote early, but noticed that these had dropped around midday. The secrecy of voting was compromised in some situations by a lack of space, while despite improved procedures for handling assisted voting, this was handled inconsistently, the group noted.

Counting at polling stations was conducted transparently, “if slowly.”

“The vote count at the polling station was highly transparent with media monitors, party observers, and national and international observers able to scrutinise the process closely,” said Gonzi.

“The count process was conducted in a consistently transparent manner, with officials observed by the group demonstrating willingness to repeat steps in the process in response to concerns expressed by party observers.

“Polling officials were methodical in their approach, explaining decisions on any invalid ballots to those present.

It was noted that while the 1.1 percent of invalid ballots fell within international best practice, “the group noted that in some situations where the intent of the voter was clear, the ballot was invalidated as the mark was not the requisite check mark.”

While the legal framework provided for elections was sufficient, the group noted that “the absence of effective enforcement mechanisms for violations of the code of conduct for candidates and campaigners, and a lack of clarity and coordination between relevant institutions appears to have resulted in a lack of timely response to alleged violations.”

Minor disruptions due to campaigning were reported, “but these did not appear to be widespread.”

Noting the high voter turnout of 88 percent, the Commonwealth group praised the spirit of participation and strong commitment to the democratic process on behalf of the Maldivian people.

Television Maldives was also praised for treating all candidates fairly, particularly during the campaigning period. However coverage of the campaigns “by some privately-owned broadcast and print media generally reflected political bias. Many private television stations and newspapers (print and online) are owned by or associated with political actors, with content perceived as slanted towards the associated political party.”

Dr Gonzi would not comment on allegations that media had reported polling figures that did not reflect those of the Elections Commission during the vote counting, a discrepancy which led to a skirmish between police and Jumhoree Party officials outside the Dharubaruge convention centre prior to the release of the results at 5:00am on Sunday morning.

“The point we made in the statement refers more to the way the media handled the political campaign than the election day itself. Of course it is relevant itself, we are talking about the campaign and the conclusion we have come to is first of all that the national broadcasting station was fair, dealt fairly with the four candidates gave them equal access and in fact the feedback we got from representatives of the candidates was rather positive in this context. Hats off to the national service provider,” Dr Gonzi said.

The Commonwealth team did express concern about the use of negative rhetoric against some candidates by others, allegations of “financial and material support” provided to voters by some candidates, and “alleged inappropriate use of state resources”.

“A weak legal framework for electoral offences, combined with a lack of clarity regarding different institutions roles in addressing some electoral offences, limits the ability for some issues of concern to be adequately addressed in a timely manner,” Dr Gonzi noted.

The Commonwealth observers will return for the second round, and will make a final assessment following the conclusion of the process.

Indian observation team

Six teams of Indian observers, including four in and around Male, one on Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo in the Seenu Atoll (Addu) in the south and another on Kulhudhuffushi, Hanimadhoo, Dhidhoo and nearby islands in Haa Dhallu and Haa Alifu Atolls in the north, covering 33.6 percent of all booths.

“The polling was orderly and unblemished by any notable incident. It was also an enjoyable experience for the voter,” stated J M Lyngdoh of the Indian observer team.

“The voters’ lists were accurate and prominently displayed. The ballot boxes were opened and closed as per the scheduled time. The discipline, patience and dignity of the voter and the sheer competence, industry and cheerfulness of the election staff were quite admirable. The police were ubiquitous but discreetly non-intrusive,” he said.

“The counting did try everyone’s patience, each bundle of ballot papers having to be counted and recounted by Elections Commission personnel. The mutual trust between the candidates’ representatives on the one hand and between them and the counting personnel made adequate amends,” he added.

“The success in the first round is an achievement which any of the mature democracies would have been proud of. This was a transparent and fair election and there is no reason why the run off should be any less than the first round,” he concluded.

US statement

The US has also congratulated the Maldives on the conduct of the first round of voting.

“The very high voter turnout showed the strong commitment of the people of Maldives to democratic government,” said US State Department Deputy Spokesperson, Marie Harf.

“As the country prepares for a second round of voting on September 28, we call on all parties to respect the democratic process and continue to allow for a free, fair and peaceful vote to take place. This is the second presidential election since Maldives embraced multi-party democracy in 2008, and thus represents a historic opportunity for Maldivians to select democratically the representative of their choice,” Harf said.

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Gasim to contest election results in court: “I am saying I believe I was in first place”

Third-placed candidate in Saturday’s presidential elections, Gasim Ibrahim, has announced that he will not accept the results released by the Elections Commission (EC).

“I am saying I believe I was in first place,” said Gasim at a press conference this afternoon. “Different result reports on different media shows there were many, immense issues.”

His Jumhoree Party (JP) is disputing the election following rumours that 10,100 additional votes appeared on the results published in a number of media outlets on polling day.

Vice President of the EC Ahmed Fayaz today maintained that the EC did not consider the complaints credible, describing them as “ridiculous” and “baseless”.

According to the provisional results Gasim received 24.07 percent of the votes, narrowly losing the position of runner up to Abdulla Yameen with 25.35 percent. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) placed first with 45.45 percent of the vote.

At today’s press conference, Gasim alleged that the EC had recommended the JP take the case to court after refusing to provide information that the party is legally entitled to.

“In some boxes, there were lots of discrepancies in numbers of eligible voters, votes cast, invalid votes,” said Gasim, whilst running-mate Dr Hassan Saeed argued that the voter lists included deceased persons and children.

“If they aren’t guilty, they should clarify offer clarifications already,” said Gasim.

JP spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel told Haveeru earlier today that, despite approaches from other parties, Gasim had not yet held talks regarding a coalition with either of the parties through to the second round.

Commonwealth observers have praised the voter registry as “accurate and robust”: “Fears expressed by some political parties regarding possible large numbers of deceased voters and voters registered in the wrong geographic area seem to be unfounded, based on the low incidence of election day complaints,” the group stated, in its interim statement released this afternoon.

Lessons to be learned

Fayaz explained that the EC was still in the process of re-checking all votes, anticipating that a final result may be confirmed tomorrow.

Asked about the confusion over the voting figures, Fayaz criticised local media’s role in the confusion.

“Politicians and newspapers have reported this [10,000 votes issue]”, he said, singling out the online publication Times.mv for particular criticism.

Fayaz urged all media outlets to carefully check their information before publication, though he did acknowledge that the EC’s own website was a source of concern.

“We wanted to share real-time results but the system did not function properly – many got misleading information from our website,” he said, assuring that the problem would be fixed before the second round.

Revealing its election observations today, the Commonwealth observer acknowledged issues related to the “private media”.

“We have to highlight this point as an area where the authorities in the Maldives should in the future sit down and see where improvements can be made. In this context the role of the Broadcasting Commission we consider to be extremely important,” said mission head Lawrence Gonzi.

“Similarly, it is important for the institutional set up to be clear on who is responsible for what. Should this be dealt with by the Elections Commission or Broadcasting Commission, and does the law empower them to redress an imbalance and what solutions are put forward?” he continued.

Drawing other conclusions from the first round, Fayaz singled out the performance of certain election officials as an issue that would need addressing.

“Some elections officials were too slow during the first round. Some will need re-training and some will need replacing,” he explained.

Upon hearing the rumours of unexplained votes after the closing of polls, a group of demonstrating JP supporters delayed the EC’s announcement of the provisional result early on Sunday morning (September 8).

The small but vocal group called for the resignation of EC Commissioner Fuwad Thowfeek, who – when finally able to announce the provisional results – dismissed the possibility of this many anomalous votes.

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Maldives’ police investigate suspected black magic doll at polling station

Police were summoned to investigate an alleged black magic doll after it was discovered at the Shaviyani Atoll School polling station during the presidential election vote counting.

The suspicious ‘fanditha’ (black magic) doll was first noticed on the school’s wall by an Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) election observer as well as polling station officials on Kanditheemu Island during the vote counting process Saturday (September 7). They contacted local police to investigate the suspicious doll.

“The police just checked whether the doll was real [fanditha],” MDP Kanditheemu Campaign Manager Mohamed ‘Mox’ Fahumee told Minivan News today (September 9). “They did not actually want to get involved in such [black magic related] things.”

After the police were called to the polling station they – and local islanders – asked community members, the Shaviyani Atoll School’s site supervisor, and Bangladeshi labourers working at the school to try and discover who made the doll and with what intention, explained Fahumee.

“One of the laborers told us he made it ‘just for fun’ to pass the time, since they do not have very much work to do,” said Fahumee. “He made the doll from wool, putty, and wall paint and then placed it on the wall to dry.”

The Maldives Police Service had not responded to enquiries at time of press.

Fanditha fear

“On this island [Kanditheemu] people always talk about black magic during elections. They claim that government aligned parties – the Political Party of the Maldives (PPM), Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), etc – practice fanditha to gain votes,” said Fahumee.

“When people talk about fanditha they become afraid,” noted Fahumee.

“Black magic might work, there are so many stories of people dying because of fanditha. During elections people talk about that and it spreads [around the island] very quickly, but they talk in secret,” he continued.

Swing voters who are not strongly in favor one candidate or political party versus another are particularly susceptible to fearing black magic will influence their vote, he explained.

“If they are finding it difficult to select a candidate and they are afraid [of black magic influence], they might vote for someone who does not represent their best interests,” he added.

Fahumee explained that while most island residents talk about possible incidents of fanditha, the discussions are conducted in secret, out of fear the island’s black magic practitioner will “come after” the person(s) talking about him.

Although not everyone believes in the power of fanditha, or “accepts those kinds of things”, it is still an issue – and precautions are taken – because it sows fear and uncertainty about the impartiality of the voting process, noted Fahumee.

More cursed coconuts

Concerns of black magic being used for election vote tampering have been raised on several islands in the Maldives.

MDP supporters on Guraidhoo Island in Kaafu Atoll reportedly began lining up to vote at 2:00pm Friday (September 6), after rumours began circulating of a black magic coconut buried at the front of the queue.

It is thought the candidate chosen by the first person in line standing over the coconut would then be the candidate picked by all remaining voters.

“We don’t believe in these things, but some MDP supporters waited just in case,” 25 year-old Guraidhoo resident Hussain Nadheef told Minivan News. “We will never let PPM [use black magic].”

Last week, police summoned a white magic practitioner to evaluate a young coconut believed to have been cursed by a black magic spell, after it was found near the Guraidhoo Island presidential election polling station.

Coconuts with black magic spells were allegedly being used to sway voters’ political party allegiance and incite confrontations between MDP supporters and police on Fuvahmulah, ahead of Saturday’s Presidential Election.

Given the widespread reporting of black magic election tampering and the cursed coconut issues on Guraidhoo and Fuvahmulah, Minivan News asked Elections Commission Vice Chair Ahmed Fayaz whether the issue was raised by any election observers.

Fayaz noted that he had not discussed the issue with any of the observers, and had first read about the story on the UK’s Guardian website.

Asked if he felt that the additional international media spotlight on the election triggered by the coconut may have had a positive impact on the election process, Fayaz laughed and said “maybe”.

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Jumhoree Party contest election results amidst rumours of anomalous votes

A group of around 15 Jumhoree Party (JP) supporters demonstrated outside the Dharubaruge convention centre this morning ahead of a delayed Elections Commission (EC) briefing to unveil the country’s provisional election results.

The crowd called for the resignation of EC President Fuwad Thowfeek amidst uncertainty over hours of delays to the results being unveiled and allegations on social media of a discrepancy in vote numbers.

When the press conference did take place – some six hours after originally scheduled – Thowfeek dismissed these claims but said the EC’s complaints department would investigate any reported irregularities.

“Fuwad Thowfeek, resign,” the dozen-strong crowd chanted outside . “Just because you wife is MDP [Maldivian Democratic Party], it doesn’t mean you can steal 10,000 votes.”

The initial results filtering through local media had shown that JP leader Gasim Ibrahim narrowly lost out on a place in the second round of voting, with the MDP and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidates gaining more votes.

The EC’s final results have since revealed the PPM’s Abdulla Yameen beating Gasim to the run-off by 2,677 votes. MDP candidate Mohamed Nasheed took the largest share of the vote with 95,224 votes. Incumbent President Dr Mohamed Waheed tallied 10,750 votes – just over five percent of the popular vote.

However, the results had been noted for their confusing presentation, with sluggish EC figures supplemented by differing poll results, depending on the outlet chosen. One local newspaper even had a set of voting figures that equated to 102 percent.

“Fuwad Thowfeek resign”

The highly agitated group, led by Youth Wing leader Moosa Anwar, surrounded the door to the building before falling back upon learning that the EC officials were not yet on the premises. With encouragement from a handful of newly arrived police, the group were soon ushered toward the road, where they sat and continued to chant.

One member of the group told Minivan News that they were calling to have the vote recast, before producing his phone. The tweet displayed on the screen detailed a set of results for Kunahandhoo, in Laamu Atoll – showing 438 eligible voters, but 690 votes cast.

Minivan News was also shown the examples of Paradise resort, and Hinnavaru – both reported with similar anomalous numbers.

Another JP supporter explained that they had learned of the potential problem via the media, and had filed an official complaint.

“Please help us – we want to vote,” one protester said who had heard turnout figure as high as 93 percent. “If they say they will look into it, we will go away.”

The crowd were soon joined by JP MP’s Shifag Mufeed and Ilham Ahmed, as well as party spokesperson Moosa Ramiz, who said he was unable to speak with the media until the party had clarified its position.

Tempers flared at around 4:30 am, with the group suddenly charging the police in an attempt to get into the convention centre. MP Shifag made the most progress before the police forced them all back on to Ameenee Magu.

Shortly after this, the press were invited to go back into the building, and the small crowd began to recede. Commissioner Thowfeek soon arrived to give the long-awaited provisional results.

He gave the final turnout figure as 88 percent (of 239,593 people were eligible to vote), adding that he had not yet had a chance to examine the complaints, although he did state that no person of “sound mind” would believe that 10,000 additional votes could have been cast in the presence of monitors and observers.

Transparency Maldives – who ran the most comprehensive observation operation on the day – had earlier announced that no incidents reported on election day would have a “material impact on the outcome of the election”.

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President receives five percent of votes, Nasheed to enter second round against Yameen

Additional reporting by Neil Merrett, Leah Malone, Ahmed Nazeer, Daniel Bosley, Ahmed Naish, Eleanor Johnstone, Mariyath Mohamed, Mohamed Naahee

Read Minivan News’ blogging of Saturday’s poll

Incumbent President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has been handed a resounding defeat in the first round of polls, with provisional results recording his ‘Forward with the nation’ coalition as receiving just 5.13 percent of the vote.

Waheed ran as an independent candidate due to controversy over whether his Gaumee Ithihaad Party (GIP) had the minimum 10,000 members needed for official recognition.

The incumbent stood in coalition with the Dhivehi Rayithunge Party (DRP).

Many of the DRP’s more than 21,000 members apparently declined to vote for the party, with the coalition receiving just 10,750 votes out of 209,495 polled.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) also suffered disappointment, painting almost every atoll yellow, but proving unable to achieve the 51 percent needed for the first round victory it had confidently predicted with cries of ‘Ehburun!’ (‘one round’).

With the vote split between three political adversaries, the MDP faced an uphill battle to achieve its goal, falling around 24 percent short of the 125,000 votes it claimed were pledged during its nationwide door-to-door campaign.

However, the MDP’s 95,244 votes represented a significant gain on its first round performance in 2008 of 44,293 votes (24.91 percent of the total vote in 2008).

The tightest race was that the for second place, with Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) candidate Abdulla Yameen at 25 percent – barely 1 percent ahead of rival pro-government candidate, resort tycoon Gasim Ibrahim.

Elections Commissioner Fuwad Thowfeek confirmed at a press conference held at 5:00am on Sunday ( September 8 ) that the commission will hold a run-off election on September 28, between Nasheed and Yameen.

However, the narrow margin separating Gasim and Yameen suggests the position of runner-up may be hotly contested.

A small group of Gasim supporters had gathered outside Dharubaruge early this morning in protest over what they claim were discrepancies between votes counted and eligible voters for several boxes. It was unclear if this data was taken directly from the elections commission, or from local media outlets – some of which reported erroneous figures throughout the day.

Thowfeek said the Commission’s complaints bureau was looking into those complaints that had been submitted, and would take necessary action where required.

The provisional results as of 5:00am on Sunday September 8 were:

  1. Gasim Ibrahim – 50,422 (24.07%)
  2. Mohamed Waheed – 10,750 (5.13%)
  3. Abdulla Yameen – 53,099 (25.35%)
  4. Mohamed Nasheed – 95,224 (45.45%)

Nasheed proved popular among resort workers with the MDP recording strong majorities in most resort ballot boxes.

On Bandos Island Resort, owned by Vice President Mohamed Waheed Deen, provisional results showed Nasheed leading with 136 votes, Yameen in second place with 81 votes, Gasim third with 39 votes and President Waheed in fourth place with 8 votes.

In Irufushi Resort, owned by MP Ahmed ‘Sun Travel Shiyam, whose Maldivian Development Alliance party is in coalition with the PPM, Nasheed won 59 votes to Yameen’s 38 votes and Gasim at third place with 6 votes and Waheed at fourth with 1 vote.

In Kuredhu Island Resort, owned by the government-aligned Champa family, Nasheed led with 50 votes, Yameen in second place with 33 votes, Gasim third with 14 votes and Waheed fourth with 1 vote.

Provisional results also showed former President Nasheed leading in overseas ballot boxes, suggesting strong support among the diaspora and students. Nasheed has 504 votes in Malaysia with Yameen in second place with 190, Gasim at 154, Waheed at 84 and 9 invalid votes.

In Singapore, Nasheed secured the most votes with 67, and Yameen at second place with 28 votes, Gasim third with 19 votes and Waheed fourth with 14 votes.

Voting peaceful

Voting took place peacefully throughout the day, with large numbers of voters lining up early due to fears concerns the polls would face disruption later in the day.

These appeared largely unfounded and polling closed at 4:00pm with only minor disruptions reported.

Elections Commissioner (EC) Fuwad Thowfeek acknowledged some difficulties in the morning with large numbers of people lining up to cast their ballots.

“We sent our officials to speed up the polling process in stations that had been identified as slow,” he said at a press conference today.

Complaints regarding voting received by the EC included some political parties continuing to campaign and photographs of some ballots taken illegally and circulated on social media.

239,593 people were eligible to vote, a 15 percent increase on the first election in 2008. Voter turnout was confirmed at 88.44 percent.

Vote counting

Vote counting proceeded smoothly at the beginning of the process, although blow-by-blow information was not always easy to obtain, with glacial official EC updates online, and otherwise very informative local media infographics in some cases reporting 102 percent voter turnout for much of the day.

The initial exit poll suggested over 200,000 people have voted, said Vice President of the Elections Commission Ahmed Fayaz, a turnout of over 83 percent.

Commissioner Fuwad Thowfeek said there were no major problems, although be acknowledged the commission had trouble closing two ballot boxes.

Police Spokesperson Chief Inspector Hassan Haneef advised Minivan News that EC officials at Majeedhiya School requested police presence at the polling station, but said officers did not remove the ballot box. “The EC removed the box in a vehicle, not police,” stated Haneef.

“What happened with the ballot box at Majeediyya School was dissent arising between some election officials and representatives from a candidate,” Thowfeek stated. “Some people questioned the check marks on ballot papers, and had disagreed over whether some marks are to be counted as valid votes.”

Transparency Maldives Communications Manager Aiman Rasheed said in 14.5 percent of ballot boxes where controversy occurred during counting, these would not have impacted the overall outcome of the first placed candidate.

“The incidents that have happened on election day will not have a material impact on the outcome of the election,” he said.

TM confidently called Nasheed’s progression to the second round, but could not call the runner up due to a margin of error larger than the difference between the vote counts of Yameen and Gasim.

According to Transparency’s statement:

  • 99.5 percent of polling stations had closed by 5:00pm
  • Only 0.2 percent of voters complained that their names were not on the voter registry, and 0.05 percent complained that they were unable to vote at polling stations
  • Voting was temporarily halted at 3.8 percent of polling stations, half of these interventions by the presiding officer. The remainder involved “an unruly voter or two, or an enthusiastic political party member”.
  • 1.4 percent had instances of violence, mostly minor, and election was otherwise largely peaceful
  • Police entered 18.8 percent of polling stations, 80 percent of the time at the invitation of the presiding officer
  • Candidates were well represented at polling stations – Gasim 73.7 percent, Waheed 29.6 percent, Yameen 74.2 percent, Nasheed 91.5 percent
  • Counting concluded without controversy at 85 percent of all polling stations, and only 0.22 percent of ballot papers were disputed by observers/candidates
  • 82.6 percent of polling stations reported assisted votes

Reactions

President Waheed’s Senior Advisor Teresa Wells said the incumbent would not be releasing an immediate statement, with a comment on his future plans ahead of a run off vote expected to be released on Sunday.

DRP Parliamentary Group Leader, Dr Abdulla Mausoom, this evening said the party would be “considering its options” ahead of the second round after the coalition’s poor polling.

The party earlier this year ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with the PPM, however Dr Mausoom told Minivan News this evening that he did not wish to comment on whether this stance would force the DRP into an alliance with the MDP in a run-off vote on September 28.

Dr Mausoom welcomed what he said he been a “beautiful” election, praising authorities including the Elections Commission for their efforts.

“Although there were some reservations, Maldivians have held a free and fair election, with Dr Waheed also expressing his confidence for the EC. This was great to see,” he said.

MDP Youth Wing Leader Shauna Aminath said “with only five percent of the vote, it only confirms that Waheed is an un-elected coup-installed puppet.”

Other elements of the MDP appeared disappointed after failing to achieve a first round win. MDP Spokesperson and Henveiru South MP Hamid Abdul Ghafoor acknowledged during the counting that “we are not performing as expected – the race is very close.”

Senior MDP figure and former Minister for Housing and Environment, Mohamed Aslam, told Minivan News during the later stages of counting that the MDP was “preparing for a second round”.

” We didn’t get what we wanted from Male’,” he said, outside the Dharubaruge convention centre.

He anticipated that the MDP would face the PPM in the second round, saying that the party was not concerned about Gasim: “Yameen is not an idiot, Gasim is an idiot.”

He noted that the turnout was lower than expected, and anticipated even lower figures for the second round.

Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) MP Ahmed Nihan confirmed that senior officials from the party including presidential candidate Abdulla Yameen and his running meet Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed were presently meeting in Male’ to discuss second round plans.

MP Nihan said that the party would now look to meet with potential allies, and confirmed that every other candidate who stood in today’s election against Nasheed would be invited “to be on-board” in the run-off vote.

“It is quite clear we will be facing the MDP in the second round,” he said.

Nihan added that he expected for the PPM to make a statement on its support for the second round vote “sooner rather than later”, once talks were completed.

Jumhoree Party (JP) Spokesperson Moosa Ramiz said any possible decision on how the party contests the second round would be expected today.

“We are still waiting at the moment,” he said, adding that discussions need to be held between JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim and the party’s council before finalising any possible alliance.

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Maldives Decides 2013 – Provisional results declared

Polls opened early this morning across the Maldives to long queues of people, urged by their parties to vote early so as to avoid potential disruption later in the day.

Polling will close at 4:00pm this afternoon, and provisional results are expected to be available at 11:00pm this evening according to the Elections Commission.

The Maldives’ second democratic multi-party presidential election has 239,593 eligible to vote, a 15 percent increase on the first election in 2008.

Voting will take place at 459 ballot boxes stationed on local islands, resorts, and overseas Maldivian High Commissions and embassies in Singapore, London, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and both Trivandrum and New Delhi in India.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who controversially resigned from office on 7 February 2012 amid a police and military mutiny, is contesting the election against incumbent and former Vice President, Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik.

Also contesting the presidential election are Abdulla Yameen – half-brother of former autocratic President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom Gasim Ibrahim, a wealthy businessman and resort tycoon backed by the Islamist Adhaalath Party and the party of Waheed’s former Special Advisor, Dr Hassan Saeed.

To win the first round of the election a candidate requires more than 50 percent of the total turnout. If no candidate receives this many votes, then a second round run-off election between the top two candidates will be held on September 28.

Read more about the candidates, their policies and support bases at our 2013 Election Hub

For additional updates and pictures, see our Facebook page

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5:33 am – Elections Commissioner Fuwad Thowfeek has confirmed that the commission will hold a run-off election on September 28, between Nasheed and Yameen. He said the Commission’s complaints bureau was looking into those complaints that had been submitted, and would take necessary action where required.

Provisional results are confirmed:

Gasim Ibrahim – 50,422 (24.07%)

Mohamed Waheed – 10,750 (5.13%)

Abdulla Yameen – 53,099 (25.35%)

Mohamed Nasheed – 95,224 (45.45%)

4:30 am – The Elections Commission (EC) has yet to formally announce the provisional results as of 4:30am on Sunday morning, delaying its 11:00pm press conference by more than five hours. Provisional results available on the EC’s website suggest Nasheed will face a run-off election on September 28, most likely against Yameen.

However a the narrow margin separating Gasim and Yameen suggests the position of runner-up may be hotly contested. A small group of Gasim supporters have gathered outside Dharubaruge early this morning in protest over what they claim are discrepancies between votes counted and eligible voters for several boxes. It was unclear if this data was taken directly from the elections commission, or from local media outlets – some of which have reported erroneous figures throughout the day.

Elections officials were not responding.

Latest results on the EC’s website:

Gasim Ibrahim – 50,422 (24.07%)

Mohamed Waheed – 10,750 (5.13%)

Abdulla Yameen – 53,099 (25.35%)

Mohamed Nasheed – 95,224 (45.45%)

1:41 am – The Elections Commission has said it is recounting three ballot boxes and expects to hold a press conference to give provisional results at 2:00am.

1:38 am – Transparency Maldives Communications Manager Aiman Rasheed said in 14.5 percent of ballot boxes where controversy occurred during counting, these would not have impacted the overall outcome of the first placed candidate.

“The incidents that have happened on election day will not have a material impact on the outcome of the election,” he said.

1:13 am – Transparency Maldives praised its observer network, stating that 95 percent of its sample was reported within three hours of the polls closing. TM confidently called Nasheed’s progression to the second round, but could not call the runner up due to a margin of error larger than the difference between the vote counts of Yameen and Gasim.

According to Transparency’s statement:

  • 99.5 percent of polling stations had closed by 5:00pm
  • Only 0.2 percent of voters complained that their names were not on the voter registry, and 0.05% complained that they were unable to vote at polling stations
  • Voting was temporarily halted at 3.8 percent of polling stations, half of these interventions by the presiding officer. The remainder involved “an unruly voter or two, or an enthusiastic political party member”
  • 1.4% has instances of violence, but largely peaceful
  • Police entered 18.8 percent of polling stations, 80 percent of the time at the invitation of the presiding officer
  • Candidates well represented – Gasim 73.7 percent, Waheed 29.6 percent, Yameen 74.2%, Nasheed 91.5%
  • Counting concluded without controversy at 85 percent of all polling stations, and only 0.22% of ballot papers were disputed by observers/candidates
  • 82.6 percent of polling stations reported assisted votes

12:26 am – Transparency Maldives is due to give a press conference soon.

11:44 pm – The Elections Commission will announce provisional results some time between midnight and 1:00am, said EC President Thowfeek. The final results of the first round will be announced on 14 September.

11:40 pm – The EC has yet to calculate exact voter turnout, as a lack of internet connection and the inability of some officials to use the new web system had resulted in a lower than expected figure, stated EC VP Ahmed Fayaz. “We expect a minimum 82 percent voter turnout.”

11:39 pm – EC President Thowfeek said results are still coming in: “We have not yet received the complete results as of yet. Currently we have got 315 boxes. None of the candidates has so far got the required 50 percent +1 vote, but a lot of boxes still need to be verified. After that we can say whether a candidate can win from the first round,” he said.

11:37 pm – The initial exit poll suggests over 200,000 people have voted, said Vice President of the Elections Commission Ahmed Fayaz, a turnout of over 83 percent.

11:34 pm – The Elections Commission is holding a press conference. Commissioner Fuwad Thowfeek has said there have been no major problems, although has acknowledged the commission is having trouble closing two ballot boxes.

“What happened with the ballot box at Majeediyya School was dissent arising between some election officials and representatives from a candidate. Some people questioned the check marks on ballot papers, and had disagreed over whether some marks are to be counted as valid votes,” Thowfeek stated.

The second ballot box kept in Galolhu [ward of Male] “has been opened and counting is underway. We just got the confirmation,” he stated.

11:18 pm – Police Spokesperson Chief Inspector Hassan Haneef has advised Minivan News that police did not remove a ballot box from Majeedhiya School. Haneef said EC officials at Majeedhiya requested police presence at the polling station, but did not remove the ballot box. “The EC removed the box in a vehicle, not police,” stated Haneef.

11:02 pm – Jumhoree Party (JP) Spokesperson Moosa Ramiz has said that any possible decision on how the party contests the second round would be expected either late this evening or possibly tomorrow.

“We are still waiting at the moment,” he said, adding that discussions need to be held between JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim and the party’s council before finalising any possible alliance.

10:59 pm – Ballot boxes counted: Male – 93 out of 100; resorts – 38 out of 40; other areas – 7 of 9, reports state media MBCNews.

10:55 pm – The ballot box has been removed from Majeedhiya School in police vehicles. Police are now moving crowds away from the area.

10:54 pm – “We took so long because the EC wasn’t able to facilitate a meeting with the head EC official at this box,” Hassan Latheef has told media. “We have heard her side of the story.”

Latheef said the head official claimed that observers from all parties “may have moved away from their assigned places, and if this was the case, this might have been against the law.” He added that her report does not match those of observers, “and we will look into this detail.”

Latheef said that “if there are grounds for complaint we will do so with the EC at the earliest opportunity.”

10:44 pm – The Seenu Meedhoo ballot box, expected to have a large majority for MDP, has been sealed by police following observer objections to Elections Commission (EC) counting practices, Minivan News understands.

Observers and monitors raised procedural concerns with the head EC official Aishath Naseema when she allegedly miscounted votes, said one media monitor speaking on condition of anonymity. The source reports that the official refused to recount and continued to count, eventually ordering out all observers who were protesting her actions and announcing the results with police assistance.

Police have since sealed the ballot box without addressing the issues raised.

MDP lawyer and former youth minister Hassan Latheef is now meeting with Naseema at the ballot box. Approximately 150 individuals have gathered outside to observe proceedings.

10:36 pm – State television MBC News predicts a run-off election between MDP and PPM based on anticipated results from today’s polls: Nasheed 45%, Yameen 25%. Candidate Gasim Ibrahim is in a close third place with 24%.

At the time of the prediction, MBC News reported that there 26 boxes remain to be counted.

10:33 pm – Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Ahmed Nihan confirmed that senior officials from the party, including presidential candidate Abdulla Yameen and his running meet Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, are presently meeting in Male’ to discuss second round plans.

PPM will look to meet with potential allies in the second round, Nihan said, adding that every other candidate who stood in today’s election against Nasheed would be invited “to be on-board” in the run-off vote.
“It is quite clear we will be facing the MDP in the second round,” he said.

Nihan expects the PPM to make a statement on its support for the second round vote “sooner rather than later”, once talks were completed with other parties.

10:30 pm – The Elections Commission reports that all boxes in Male have been reported to its offices. Senior Administration Official Fathima Zuhuzhi said that boxes will arrive from the atolls with officials tomorrow, but the numbers are being reported through official software.

The Elections Commission does not count ballots. It’s primary task is to compile information, and only those with specific permits are allowed access to the compilation room.

10:25 pm – Ballot boxes in London – the latest-open polling site world-wide – are officially closed, Television Maldives has tweeted.

10:17 pm – The Elections Commission’s Ballot Progress Reporting System is updated for the final time, recording 170,686 voters out of a possible 239,593 eligible voters–reflecting a 71.28 percent turnout.

Figures from local media, however, put the number of votes given for all four candidates at over 184,000 with more than 35 ballot boxes still to count.

10:00 pm – President Waheed’s Senior Advisor Teresa Wells said the incumbent would not be releasing a statement tonight, but that a comment on his plans ahead of a run-off vote would be released tomorrow.

9: 58 pm – Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Parliamentary Group Leader MP Dr Abdulla Mausoom hsa said that the party would be “considering its options” ahead of the second round after the “forward with the nation coalition” it was backing received a decidedly low percent of the popular vote.

Dr. Mausoom has told Minivan News that he does not wish to comment if the party’s stance would force its hand at lending support to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in a run-off election.

“I think the DRP as a party has very clear values and ideologies, we would look for the coalition that best represented these” he said, adding that the Elections Commission (EC) had executed a “beautiful” election.

“Although there were some reservations Maldivians have held a free and fair election, with Dr. Waheed also expressing his confidence for the EC. This was great to see,” he said.

9:56 pm – Ballot boxes are being delivered and checked in to the Elections Commission, where approximately 50 people have gathered.

9:02 pm – Former Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam has told Minivan News that the MDP are “preparing for a second round”.

“We didn’t get what we wanted from Male’,” he said outside Dharubaaruge.

Aslam anticipates that the MDP would face the PPM in the second round, saying that the party was not concerned about Gasim.

“Yameen is not an idiot, Gasim is an idiot.”

He noted that he had not seen a turnout this low, and anticipated lower figures for the second round.

8:56 pm – Initial results from Male’ ballot boxes show strong support for Nasheed in Galolhu and Henveiru wards.

8:52 pm – Preliminary ballot counting is now finishing at polling stations across Male’, with police remaining on duty at all stations. Residents remain indoors and clustered around radios to get the latest results.

8:28 pm – Male’ streets remain quiet while residents watch television indoors, anticipating the results of the final 100 ballot boxes.

8:04 pm – Ten police crowded into a Ahmadiyya School in Galolhu after a dispute between polling officials and an election observer over inaccurately marked ballots. The agitated observer had left by the time the police arrive, themselves leaving shortly after.

“Somebody called us, but I don’t know why – I don’t know why it’s necessary to come,” one officer said,

7:58 pm – Henveiru South MP Hamid Abdul Ghafoor told Minivan News that he was surprised by the way voting has been going in his Henveiru-south.

“We are not performing as expected – the race is very close,” he said, before comparing the Maldivian Democratic Party’s voting pattern to pro-Gayoom voting in this stage of the 2008 election.

6:45 pm – Nasheed is also proving popular among resort workers with strong majorities in most resort ballot boxes.

In Bandos Island Resort, owned by Vice President Mohamed Waheed Deen, provisional results show Nasheed leading with 136 votes, Yameen in second place with 81 votes, Gasim third with 39 votes and President Waheed in fourth place with 8 votes.

In Irufushi Resort, owned by MP Ahmed ‘Sun Travel Shiyam, whose Maldivian Development Alliance party is in coalition with the PPM, Nasheed has 59 votes to Yameen’s 38 votes and Gasim at third place with 6 votes and Waheed at fourth with 1 vote.

In Kuredhu Island Resort owned by the government-aligned Champa family, Nasheed leads with 50 votes, Yameen in second place with 33 votes, Gasim third with 14 votes and Waheed fourth with 1 vote.

6:30 pm – Provisional results show former President Nasheed leading in overseas ballot boxes, suggesting strong support among the diaspora and students. Nasheed has 504 votes in Malaysia with Yameen in second place with 190, Gasim at 154, Waheed at 84 and 9 invalid votes. In Singapore, Nasheed secured the most votes with 67, and Yameen at second place with 28 votes, Gasim third with 19 votes and Waheed fourth with 14 votes.

5:42 pm – State broadcaster Television Maldives (TVM) is tweeting live results at #MvElection13. So far:

Gasim 1608 (27%)
Waheed 203 (3%)
Yameen 1489 (25%)
Nasheed 2601 (44%)
Void 54 (1%)

5:33 pm – Latest from the EC’s site. Of 1574 votes counted (including 8 void), so far:

Gasim 19.35%
Waheed 16.28%
Yaeen 20.05%
Nasheed 44.32%

5:31 pm – The streets of Male are remarkably silent as people are glued to television sets watching the counting. Of the online sources of counting data the Elections Commission’s count site is the slowest to update, but the most official source of information. Haveeru News has a live infographic that is somewhat quicker.

5:09 pm – Counting is underway.

4:55 pm – Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom voted this morning at the CHSE.

4:52 pm – Voting on Inguraidhoo in Raa Atoll has been “calm” throughout the day, an island council source told Minivan News. Although the polls closed at 4:00pm, there is still a queue of people waiting to cast their vote. However, of 985 registered voters, 114 were “no shows”.

On Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll has also been “very calm”, according to an island source.

“Everything has gone pretty fine here, there have been no [negative] events,” a Kaafu Atoll, Himmafushi Island source told Minivan News.

4:35 pm – If it scores a win, the MDP in Addu Atoll will celebrate even at the risk of disturbances from opposing parties, reports Shahid.

“This is one and a half years of waiting, waiting, waiting and hard work,” he said, comparing the excitement around this election to the country’s first democratic election in 2008. “The people have got the taste of freedom, and of being proud to be a human being. They lost it, and now they want to regain it. That wasn’t there in 2008.”

4:25 pm – The majority of voters in Addu City have cast their ballot prior to the poll closing time of 4:00pm, and “in most cases it is almost done,” said former Immigration Controller Abdulla Shahid, stationed in the southern-most atoll.

The community is now gathering near the polls for the ballot counting to see that the process is smoothly executed. As people – primarily party leaders and young men – gather near Addu polling stations for the ballot count, Shahid observed that they are “pretty cooked up – they are excited and anxious to see how things go.”

He added that police are noticeably present across the atoll, and have erected blockades on the causeway linking Gan and Feydhoo “to keep an eye out.” The military presence is minimal present, but soldiers have been spotted driving around to survey activities.

4:22 pm – Social media is on fire this elections. Passionate voters are posting pictures of inked fingers and long queues with messages of support for their candidates. While many are proud of voting, and not holding back in showing their excitement over social media,a considerable number of people are tweeting their resentment towards the political polarisation of the country and their justifications for boycotting the vote. Follow the elections buzz online #mvelection.

4:17 pm – Elections Commission (EC) President Fuwad Thowfeek has said that there are no regulations prohibiting parties conducting exit polls outside polling areas.

Volunteers for the MDP have been carrying out such polls across the country today, leading to concerns from rival parties that they were campaigning in defiance of voting regulations.

4:15 pm – MDP MP and Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor has said the opposition was “comfortable” with the day’s voting.

“I voted first thing this morning and I must say the whole thing looked quite organised. I’m quite happy with how it has gone, there has been an amazing turnout,” he said.

Earlier today, a group of JP supporters outside Majeediyaa School raised concerns to Minivan News about a number of people wearing yellow t-shirts outside polling stations carrying clipboards, questioning whether such “campaigning” is allowed on voting day.

Ghafoor confirmed that the party had employed a ‘voter protection program’ that utilised volunteers as observers, while other people were conducting exit polls outside polling stations around the country to help draw up data on the day’s voting.

He rejected claims the party’s ‘voter protection program’ was campaigning for the MDP.

“They are not in branded [MDP] t-shirts, they may be wearing yellow, but we have been working on getting people out to vote. We also have a minimum of two people per vote box outside polling areas [conducting exit polls],” he said, adding that data was then being uploaded to a central system online. “The problem is the opposition do not have a thorough understanding of democracy. I do not wish to be disrespectful, but this is standard election practice.”

4:00 pm – The deadline for polls to close has passed. Voting on many islands has already finished, however queues remain at many polling stations in Male’.

3:59 pm – A group of 10-15 people waiting a few feet away from a polling station in Male’ told Minivan News they were waiting for a party to show up and pay them to vote. “If a party wants us to vote for their candidate, they will come and pay. Otherwise, we are not voting.” said one of the group members.

3:56 pm – According to Haveeru, a young man who went to vote at a ballot box for the mid-Hithadhoo constituency in Male’ and allegedly photographed his ballot paper with his mobile phone has been taken into police custody.

The local daily is also reporting that 1,915 out of 2,099 voters registered to vote in Sri Lanka has cast their ballots. Most voters in Fuvahmulah have meanwhile cast their ballots and there are queues only at a few ballot boxes.

3:48 pm – The Election Commission has confirmed that its online ballot counter does not account for many boxes on resorts or local islands with poor internet access. 70 percent turnout has already been recorded, say officials.

3:46 pm – A person who attempted to vote twice in a ballot box at the Kangaroo Kids School in Addu City was taken away from the area by police upon request of the head EC official, according to police media.

3:45 pm – 33 year-old Faithimath Irene told Minivan News near Male’ City Hall that she had “nearly missed my chance to vote, but am delighted I got here before 4:00pm. I hope this election paves our way out of this damned good democracy.”

3:44 pm – “Voting is going fine. It’s actually calm, we haven’t seen any issues and the situation is the same in the other wards,” an island council official from Fuvahmulah’s Dhiguvaadu ward told Minivan News.

However he said there have been some issues regarding the placement of campaign banners near to the Dhiguvaadu ward polling station. Allegedly PPM members posted five campaign banners just outside the polling station – within the 100 foot boundary – at midnight last night, after the 6pm campaigning deadline, alleged the island council official. The MDP has issued complaints with the Elections Commission (EC) district complaints bureau over the matter.

Meanwhile, EC officials who arrived on the island this morning took issue with an MDP campaign banner that the island council official claims was put up outside the 100 foot boundary on Thursday September 5.

3:35 pm – “Technical issues” with the EC website are being resolved, the EC said at the press briefing.

3:34 pm – With less than 30 minutes to go before polls close at 4:00pm, queues are still strong at Male’s polling stations.

3:23 pm – Some 136,236 people have cast their ballots so far, the Elections Commission (EC) has revealed at an ongoing press briefing.

EC Chair Fuwad Thowfeek said there have been no serious issues with voting apart from delays caused by long queues at some polling stations. He added that arrangements have been made for inmates to vote.

Fuwad also said that the EC was aware that some campaign activities, such as phone calls, are still going on and that measures would be taken against those responsible.

The Deputy Chair of the EC revealed that turnout has reached 70 percent including those currently queued at polling stations.

3:16 pm – “I don’t think there have been any disturbances on Kulhudhuffushi [in Haa Dhaal Atoll], we haven’t received any complaints [of that nature],” said Rishan Nasheed, an Elections Commission Complaints Bureau official from the told Minivan News.

However there have been many complaints regarding voters names not included on the registry lists. “When we’ve re-checked, these voters are actually on lists for other polling stations on Kulhudhuffushi,” said Rishan. “This year voting boxes were placed in different locations and many people did not check to verify their polling station location.” She explained that this issue has not prevented anyone from voting.

3:13 pm – “The opening of the polls was smooth, and the administrative preparation and execution went well,” Transparency Maldives announced at its 1:00 pm press conference.

“99.5 percent of all polling stations [were] open by 8:30 am and 83 percent of polling stations [were] open within the first 10 minutes of the required opening time.”

Transparency Maldives has deployed over 400 observers over 20 atolls. It is one of four observer groups observing today’s presidential election.

Among indicators gathered, Transparency reported that queue controllers were absent from 4.1 percent of polling stations, and station controllers were absent from 7.2 percent of observed stations. 98.2 percent of polling stations met standards to ensure voter privacy.

Two or more candidate/party observers were present at 82.4 percent of all observed stations; one observer was present at 13.6 percent of polling stations. 4.1 percent of stations had not candidate/party observer. Police were present at 95 percent of the observed polling stations.

3:09 pm – Reports coming in from the islands:

On Thinadhoo in the country’s south, one of the islands flagged as a potential hotspot should voting go awry, a resident said “Everything is going very smoothly and voting is about 45 percent complete.”

“It is very peaceful [on the island] and voting is almost completed, we’re at about 90 percent,” Mox Fahumee, MDP Campaign Manager from Kanditheemu Island in Shaviyani Atoll.

“The voting process is going very quickly [this election] because people actually want to vote this time,” he said.

Voting has nearly been completed on most islands in the Kanditheemu constituency – Bilefahi, Noomera, Goidhoo, and Feydhoo – and the process has been peaceful on those islands as well.

Elderly voters have had some issues voting on Gan in Laamu Atoll, as many want help casting their ballot, however Elections Commission officials are not allowing any outside party to provide assistance
unless the voters are “blind or armless”, an Island Council official told Minivan News.

3:04 pm – Speaking to Minivan News while waiting to vote at Iskandhar School in Male’ this morning, an 18 year-old male voter employed in the Maldives Police Service (MPS) in a non-uniformed role said he anticipated voting would continue peacefully.

However, the first time voter did not rule out potential clashes between rivals once results were known: “Whichever party wins, it will be the other ones who will be causing trouble. This is politics after all,” he said.

3:02 pm – Mohamed Didi, a 54 year-old man from Addu Atoll who has lived in Male’ the last 20 years, said he did not anticipate violence on the strength of the large number of people peacefully casting their ballots across the capital.

“I do not think there will be violence, there are so many people out voting,” he said, while overlooking the line of voters outside Majeediyaa School, where he said a large number of re-registered voters originally from Addu Atoll would be casting their ballot.

2:39 pm – “Despite this unbearable heat I’ve been in this queue for at least three hours,” said 28 year-old Muhammed. “I will cast my vote and contribute to washing out baaghees.”

2:36 pm – 68 year old Mohamed Waheed told Minivan News in front of the Kalafaanu school polling station: “It is a good thing that we are having elections as due, despite the events of last year. But the EC should have better organised things, kept more counters at booths where more people vote. I share MDP’s ideology and have voted accordingly. However I am now giving away umbrella for shade for all citizens queued here to vote since the early hours.”

2:28 pm – A voter from the Machangoalhi North constituency who voted in CHSE told Minivan News that her aunt, who had voted before her, had her name on the EC list with a red dot next to it instead of being crossed out. Asked why, the EC official said a person with a face veil had attempted to vote under the name. According to the voter, her aunt does not wear the burqa. She said the EC official claimed not to recall the first voter, apart from stating that she wore the burqa, and said she and her aunt planned to lodge a complaint with the EC.

2:10 pm – Police have arrested four people in Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo on suspicion of selling stolen ID cards, according to police media. The case is under investigation by the Thinadhoo Police Station.

1:48 pm – Ashraf Ibrahim, 30, from Gaaf Dhaal Madaveli: “As I see it this vote will end in the first round. The democratic party will have a sweeping win.”

Mohamed, 28, says, “Despite this unbearable heat, I’ve been in this queue for at least three hours. I will cast my vote and contribute to washing out the baaghees (traitors).”

1:43 pm – Jumhoree Party Deputy Leader Dr Ibrahim Didi has told Minivan News that presidential candidate MP Gasim Ibrahim had cast his ballot around 7:45 am this morning at the Maafannu Madharusaa in Male’.

Dr Didi added that the party had been encouraged by what it believed had been a “high turnout” among the public – perhaps higher than in 2008’s election.

“We believe that some 80 to 90 percent of registered votes already cast on islands here,” he said. “In general, I think we have seen and fair election. The only thing [the party] has noticed is a few names are not appearing on the voter’s list.”

Dr Didi said the party was not presently certain if the difficulties had arisen due to an error on the voter’s part by re-registering to vote on a specific island, or whether it was an error by the Election’s Commission (EC).

Despite some concerns previously raised over the requirements of the re-registration process by political parties ahead of polling, the EC last month confirmed that more than 50,000 voters had successfully re-registered to cast their ballots today.

1:35 pm – Maldivian Absolute Security Advanced Pvt Ltd security firm officials dressed in black ties, dress shirts, and trousers have been seen by Minivan News outside polling places and driving around Male’ on motorcycles. One of the security guards told Minivan News they were hired by the government to provide general election security.

The situation at most polling places in Male’ is the same – very long lines and primarily Maldivian observers from various institutions assessing the situation. Minivan News has observed police stationed outside polling places in groups ranging from two to four officers, however none were observed within 100 feet of ballot boxes – unless they were casting their votes.

Some MDP volunteers at Jamaludeen School are concerned because only one Elections Commission team was present and as a result individuals are waiting for at least 45 minutes before casting their ballots. A polling station official at Thaajuddeen School told Minivan News that the queue to vote has been “nonstop since polls opened” at 7:30am.

“This is the most people I’ve ever seen [come to vote].” He noted that despite the large crowds there have been no disturbances and there are “no issues yet” with police, “they’ve been coordinating well.”

1:32 pm – “The police Quick Rescue Team has resolved a dispute between two families in Faafu Feeali and returned an ID card to its owner,” according to police media.

1:05 pm – MDP running mate Dr Mustafa Lutfi declared: “I have cast my vote. I’m happy with how the EC has organised matters regarding this election. My hope is that things proceed peacefully like this and are concluded in a fair and transparent manner.”

12:59 pm – Almost half of all eligible voters have either cast their vote or are queued to do so, according to Elections Commission statistics.

12:52 pm – An Australian surf instructor living on the island of Thulusdhoo, Tim Southall, told Minivan News polling day had so far been among the most peaceful 24 hours on the island this year.

Amber Coontz, a US teacher and surfing enthusiast also living and working on the island, said she had been given a similar impression. “No problems, drama or cursed coconuts to speak of,” she said, referring to recent international media coverage of the election build up.

12:48 pm – “Problems that occurred in the voting queue” that caused a disruption to voting in Gaaf Dhaal Nadella has been resolved and voting has resumed peacefully, according to police media.

12:43 pm – Hussan Shahid, a 33 year-old guest house operator on the island of Thulusdhoo in North Male’ Atoll has said that as opposed to the country’s first multi-party democratic vote in 2008, polling was being held peacefully this afternoon.

Shahid said that the island, which he described as being a very close community with an estimated population of 1,500 people, had been holding peaceful campaigning in the build up to today’s vote – claiming rival parties had even assisted each other in recent months.

“The island is very quiet and I think everyone is waiting for the result. We are a very close population, but there seem to be a lot of resort [workers] voting here too,” he said. “I hope nothing goes bad here, we are a quiet island. There are only two parties here – the yellow party (MDP) and the blue party (President Dr Mohamed Waheed’s) ‘forward with the nation coalition’.”

Shahid claimed that the island was believed to be largely in support of President Waheed.

12:41 pm – Voting has resumed in Gaaf Alif Maamendhoo following a minor disruption caused by a voter attempting to get to the top of the queue half an hour ago, according to police media.

12:37 pm – 24 year-old Mohamed Azmeel voted at Jamaluddeen School: “After two years of authoritarian rule this is the first time we get to have our say.”

12:34 pm – Presidential Candidate Abdulla Yameen called today’s election a “watershed” after voting near the National University in Male, the Times of India reports.

“Things have gone so wrong the last four-five years. It is absolutely imperative that we change for the better this time,” he said.

12:20 pm – Elections Commission (EC) President Fuwad Thowfeek has told Minivan News that all polling is going to plan at present.

“As of now a total of 96, 318 have voted,” he said.

12:15 pm – The Human Rights Commission of Maldives has said in a press statement that 57 officials are observing voting at 25 ballot boxes in Male’ and the atolls.

11:50 am – The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has said on its website that voting has been “generally peaceful” in atolls across the country with no conflicts identified so far by division commanders.

Police have confirmed that voting was however delayed on the island on the island of Dhiggaru in Meemu Atoll and did not commence until 9:12am over allegations of individuals trying to break the queue.

Police Spokesperson Chief Inspector Hassan Haneef asked for any specific inquiries to be forwarded to the Elections Commission (EC).

11:53 am – Shaarih, 33, in line near the customs area: “Impossible to sum up so shortly this mix of sentiments I have. To put it best, what’s in my mind is: ‘Let’s do this! Let’s win back our country.'”

11:50 am – 19 year old Rauha Ahmed said: “I hate politics. I hate standing in queues. I’m only here because my mom was throwing a fit.”

11:43 am – Abdul Raheem, 67, is waiting in line: “I am voting who I have always voted for. We need to elect a man with experience in running the country. Youngsters took over for the past few years and look at how our social fabric has been torn to bits. If children as young as 18 are not allowed to vote, as they don’t have mature thinking yet, we’d have a better chance of maintaining a peaceful regime.”

11:38 am – Aisthath Sharafnaz, 35, is also in the queue outside the Customs Building: “I’m standing here a little worried, but hoping I’ll get to vote. It’s been over a year since we last had an elected government.”

11:35 am – 57 year old Abdulla Ali, waiting in line outside the Customs Building, said “I am very happy today as citizens are getting to exercise their right to elect a leader of their choice. I’ll accept the outcome regardless of who wins.”

11:33 am – Former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Mohamed Nasheed has voted in Male.

11:23 am –49 year old Gasim supporter, Fathimath Zoona, said she is “feeling very anxious. I am heading to vote now, in the hope of being able to live in a peaceful society again after recent years.”

11:20 am – Sun Online has reported an incident between two families in between two families in Faafu Feeali after a man allegedly hid his wife’s national ID card.

11:16 am – Consular officials in Thiruvananthapuram, India, have expressed surprise at the high number of Maldivians who have registered to vote there, reports Rejith Balakrishnan for the Times of India.

“Consulate authorities said that citizens have started giving importance to politics since the peculiar political scenario is directly affecting their lives here. Most Maldivians come to Kerala for educational and medical purposes,”

Ibrahim Azeem, an attache at the consulate, told the Times that many people that voters had become less apathetic, becoming more keen to exercise their rights.

10:51 am – Observing voters outside Majeediyaa School in Male’ this morning, Jumhoree Party (JP) supporter Adam Naseer said he had not seen or heard any trouble in the capital today.

Naseer added that he did not expect a first round victory for any candidate n today’s polls, expressing hope JP candidate Gasim Ibrahim would then secure a second round victory in a run off election.

“We see this as a semi-final,” he explained.

A group of his fellow party supporters also raise concerns to Minivan News about a number of people wearing yellow t-shirts – the colour of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) – outside polling stations carrying clipboards, questioning whether such “campaigning” is allowed on voting day.

10:30 am – The Elections Commission (EC) has said that voter turnout exceeds expectations, and projects that 80 percent of eligible voters will cast their ballots before the close of polls at 4:00 pm, reports Haveeru.

10:47 am – Progressive Party of Maldives vice presidential candidate Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed tolds Minivan News he was the first person to cast his vote at Arabiyya School in Male’ at 7:30am this morning

“I am very upbeat and hopeful that our ticket will go ahead and win this election.  The nation deserves a fresh pair to lead it for the next five years and fulfill the aspiration of our people” he said.  “I am sure that this nation will survive the challenges it faces both economic and social to take the country to the glory of development and economic success.”

10:46 am – Former Immigration Controller Abdullah Shahid voted at 7:30am this morning in Addu Atoll, where he reports that polls are functioning smoothly; “Almost 45 percent of voters have voted in some areas [of Addu]”, he said. “We are hearing that approximately 70 percent of Feydhoo constituency on Male has voted.”

After voting, men and youth are reportedly gathering in party camps and cafes in Addu.

10:45 am – “I don’t think any of these candidates are suitable, however I cast a valid vote for one of them. Let’s see if this brings any change for the better,” said 22 year-old Rooya Hussain, after voting at the Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE).

10:41 am – Three hours after polling opened, and more than 27 percent of eligible voters have cast their votes.

10:40 am – PPM Presidential Candidate Abdulla Yameen has voted in Male.

10:25 am – Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Ahmed Nihan has spoke of a “harmonious” atmosphere between rival in his constituency of Villimale’, where six ballot boxes have been stationed today.

“We held a coffee session with members of the MDP and JP, I can say there is much more harmony that in 2008,” he added.

However, Nihan said he had raised a complaint with monitors over allegations that voters queing to cast their ballot have continuing to receive recorded messages urging them to vote for Jumhoree Party (JP) candfidate MP Gasim Ibrahim – despite a deadline for campaigning having passed.

10:18 am – MDP supporters on Guraidhoo Island in Kaafu Atoll reportedly began lining up to vote at 2:00pm yesterday, after rumours began circulating of a buried fanditha (black magic) coconut buried at the front of the queue.

It is thought the candiate chosen by the first person standing over the coconut and then voting would have their chosen candidate picked by all remaining voters.

“We don’t believe in these things, but some MDP supporters waited just in case,” said a 25 year old Guraidhoo resident. “We will never let PPM [use black magic].”

10:18 am – Queues of up to one hour reported at polling booths as one fifth of the electorate have cast their ballot.

10:10 am – Rasal Taxis, a cab firm based in the ‘raalhugandu’ area of Male’ said all its drivers were working for the company today, and not any particular party.

One driver told Minivan News that the MDP had hired him for the entire day for MVR5000 (US$324) – saying he was paid MVR2000 (US$129) for the same service in 2008 during the last election.

9:55 am – Taking respite between polling stations at the Republic Monument in Male’, 33 year-old taxi driver Asif tells Minivan News that the election has meant good business for the capital’s cabbies.

“Today, parties are booking taxis to get their voters to the poll. They are making lots of money,” he said.

Asif, who started his shift at 7:15am – shortly before polling commenced – said he had not personally taken any money from a party today. He added that he would be driving up until 4:30pm once the days polling has finished.

Asif added that after a seemingly peaceful start to voting in the capital, he hoped the calm would continue into the night: “I don’t like to think there might be violence afterwards,” he adds.

9:45 am – “It’s my first time voting and I’m excited about it,” said a 20 year-old voter, waiting in line. “I think it’s a important I do my part for my country.”

9:40 am – Over 18 percent of registered voters have already cast their votes according to the Election Commission’s Ballot Progress Reporting System.

9:35 am – “I’ve been waiting for 19 f***ing months for this day, so I got here as early as I could. It’s my way of standing up to the coup,” said 39 year-old Ismail Shiyaz, ahead of casting his vote at a polling station in Male.

8:45 am – Two men in their mid-40s were proud of their right to vote in this election.

“[This election] is very important for our future,” said one man after voting at Ameeniya School. He observed that “2008 was a bit hectic, but this year is really calm.”

Another man who was waiting to vote said, “I need to follow my duties. I have to vote…this is important for the future of our country.” While he was wary of disruptions, he said that, “we think about the vote peacefully.”

8:30 am – President Waheed, Gasim and Defence Minister Nazim have voted. Nasheed is confirmed to be voting at 11:00am.

8:25 am – “I am excited about this election because it is quite challenging, and what we are expecting is support for MDP (Maldivian Democratic Party). We’re excited to see who is going to win,” said one 54-year-old male voter. He expects proceedings to be peaceful.

8:25 am – A 33-year-old woman who voted in the 2008 election said she hopes for a strong turnout at the polls. “I think more people will come out for this election because people were new to the concept of democracy [in 2008]. People are more aware this time,” she said, adding that she had her “fingers crossed” for a peaceful election.

8:20 am – The line to vote outside of Centre for Higher Secondary Education in Male’ stretched two blocks by 8:00 am this morning. Two 21-year-old first-time voters said they were “totally excited” to be voting in this election. Although they were not sure what to expect inside the voting area, they were “confident” that the proceedings would go as planned.

7:50 am – Queues of people snaked through Kalaafaanu School in Male as hundreds of people lined up to vote. Dozens of police were present – many voting themselves – and crowds were quiet and peaceful

7:30 am – Polls opened in Male’ to quiet streets, but long queues of voters.

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Maldives election another chance at unity: Associated Press

“The Maldives — more than 1,100 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean — are sharply divided along political lines. The first democratically elected president insists his former deputy helped force him out in a coup d’etat,” writes Krishnan Francis for the Associated Press.

“And the brother of the longtime dictator of the country, where widespread unemployment exists alongside some of the world’s most expensive beach resorts, now wants to be president himself.

Few hope that Saturday’s presidential elections will soothe the divisions that have inflamed the archipelago since last year, when former President Mohamed Nasheed resigned amid a standoff with security forces and widespread protests.

‘‘Even families are divided and some are not on talking terms,’’ said Mohamed Visham, editor of local English daily Haveeru. He said the new leader will have to shift attention away from the political divide and toward issues like economic development and infrastructure.

The Maldives had its first democratic presidential elections just five years ago, after 30 years of dictatorship under Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Most of its public institutions, from the police to the public service commission and the courts, are widely seen as political partisan, and it is believed that most government workers continue to support Gayoom.”

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Development is our only objective, Nasheed addresses pre-election rally

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has estimates that over 10,000 supporters were in attendance on Thursday night as it held its final major rally prior to the Saturday (September 7) presidential election in capital city Male’.

The rally started with a set of video interviews with members of the general public, who shared their reasons for supporting MDP presidential candidate, and former president, Mohamed Nasheed.

As the first speaker at the rally, the MDP’s vice presidential candidate Dr Mustafa Lutfi stated that “Saturday will be the historical day when we citizens re-establish the democracy that was taken away from us”.

“Nasheed is neither a relative, nor an old friend of mine. He used to be just a name I heard. However, today I have for him the deepest respect and love I would have for a hero of the nation.”

“He has been working since 1990 to gain human rights and democracy for us citizens of Maldives. He continued with the struggle for freedom despite being jailed, tortured, placed under house arrest and being placed in solitary confinement. And even when his democratic government was toppled in the February 7 coup, he took a step back and then with more might is walking forward with us again to regain democracy,” Lutfi continued.

The only other speaker at the rally was the presidential candidate himself.

“MDP is a party that takes steps forward. We are here to establish a people’s government. We believe the people of this country deserve far better than they have today. We are here to develop the Maldives,” Nasheed said addressed the large gathering of supporters.

“In the past 18 months, I have slept in 343 different beds. We have visited all the islands of Maldives. We have met with many Maldivian citizens. We know the sentiments of the Maldivian people. We have stepped forward to make the dreams of the Maldivian people a reality. We will win this election in the first round, in a single round,” he said, prompting loud applause from the crowd.

“We are calling on the people to roll up your sleeves and come with us to develop the country. Development of this country is our only aim, our only objective,” Nasheed continued.

“A nation is developed through doing particular things at a particular time in a certain manner. These things can be known through putting forward criticism and conducting peaceful political activities by competitive parties in a multi-party system. The biggest obstacle to this country’s development was the habit of torture and brutality exercised in this country’s past against anyone who expressed differences in opinion. We are here to overcome this obstacle. We will win the elections in one round,” he stated.

“You can push us down onto the ground and force us to eat sand, but we will stand up again. We will not step back. We will bring good governance to the people. Our courage cannot be deterred. We will develop this country, we will build the whole nation,” Nasheed concluded his speech.

Former State Minister of Islamic Affairs during Nasheed’s administration, Sheikh Hussain Rasheed, concluded the rally with a prayer, joined in by the thousands of supporters gathered at the rally.

After the speeches were delivered and the prayer recited, the party then held a laser show, with some of the images depicting themes related to the party and its policies, along with campaign songs by various artists from around the country.

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