Simultaneous voting is underway in 45 constituencies as the People’s National Congress (PNC) conducts its primary to select candidates for the upcoming Local Council Elections.

Speaking during live coverage of the voting, People’s National Congress Election Committee Chairman and Hajj Corporation Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel said the primary is the largest internal election ever conducted by a political party in the Maldives.

Shakeel said extensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure transparency and build confidence among both party members and candidates contesting the primary. He noted that the PNC has relied on the party membership register maintained by the Election Commission of Maldives to determine voter eligibility, unlike practices previously followed by some political parties.

The list of eligible voters was compiled in line with the Election Commission’s register, published on the party’s website, and made open for review, with sufficient time provided for the submission of complaints.

He also said that, except for two locations, polling officials appointed for the primary are residents of the respective areas. These appointments were made in consultation with island and city steering committees.

Shakeel added that the PNC’s internal management structure is highly decentralised, and election arrangements have been organised accordingly to ensure smooth and efficient conduct of the primary across all constituencies.