The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has urged the public to respect the outcome of the elections and accept the decision of voters, as ballot counting continues for the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, as well as the public referendum.

In a post shared on X, the Commission called on citizens to uphold democratic principles by accepting the results and addressing any concerns through lawful means. HRCM also emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability during and after the electoral process.

A total of 294,876 individuals were eligible to vote in the Local Council and WDC elections, and the Public Referendum on amending the Constitution to align presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day by shortening the current parliamentary term. Voter turnout is believed to have reached 72.88 per cent, the highest in recent election.

Across the country, 588 ballot boxes were placed, including in Malé, the atolls, resorts, and correctional facilities. A total of 2,961 candidates contested in the council and WDC elections, comprising 1,368 for council seats and 1,593 for WDC positions.