The Elections Commission of Maldives has opened applications for individuals and organisations interested in observing polling and vote counting during the upcoming North Hithadhoo parliamentary by-election.

According to the commission, applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on May 16. Political parties, civil society organisations and individuals are eligible to apply, with submissions to be made online in accordance with procedures outlined by the commission.

The commission stated that applicants must be Maldivian citizens aged 18 or above and must not be serving a sentence for a criminal offence. Individuals applying through civil society organisations must also not be registered members of political parties.

Applicants are additionally required to have read and agreed to comply with the Elections Commission’s code of conduct for election personnel and must not have violated the code of conduct or been convicted of an electoral offence within the past five years. Persons assigned by the commission to carry out election-related duties are not eligible to serve as observers.

Permits will be issued to political parties and organisations in a manner that does not exceed 10 percent of the total number of ballot boxes allocated for each party or organisation. Only one observer from each authorised party or organisation will be permitted to operate at a polling station at any given time.

The commission has advised interested parties seeking further clarification to contact the Elections Commission directly for additional information regarding the application process and observer arrangements.