The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has announced that 78 of its staff will be deployed to observe the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections scheduled for tomorrow.

According to the commission, observers will be stationed across 21 islands in 18 atolls, in addition to monitoring activities in the Greater Malé Region, with ballot box observation set to begin at 6:30 a.m. and continue until the conclusion of voting.

HRCM stated that 208 ballot boxes will be observed in the Greater Malé Region, while 104 ballot boxes will be monitored across the islands, with commission staff also assigned to observe voting processes at Maafushi Prison.

The commission emphasised that participation in elections is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, urging citizens to exercise their right to vote freely and responsibly, without undue influence.

HRCM also called on all stakeholders to respect the integrity of the electoral process and the rights of voters and candidates, warning against any actions that could undermine these rights, and urging that any disputes be resolved within the framework of the rule of law.