Transparency warns lastminute change to voting procedure may impact voter confidentiality

Transparency Maldives expressed concern over voter confidentiality on Saturday, as the Maldivian people vote in the local council elections, the women’s development committee elections, and a referendum on synchronizing the presidential and parliamentary elections.

In a statement on Saturday afternoon, TA said it has 31 observers and volunteers deployed across 15 atolls to observe and assist in the election observation process.

The TA said it found the opening of the polls was smooth, and the administrative preparation went well.

The TA found that polling stations were set up to ensure a ballot secrecy in 23 out of 26 of polling stations, and said that its observers will be closely monitoring polling stations where the secrecy of the ballot may be compromised due to the layout of the polling station.

The organization also expressed concern of that the Elections Commission (EC) had announced changes to voting procedure during a press conference held the night before the elections, specifically on how voters can decline any of the three ballot papers issued.

The EC said the voter’s decision to decline a ballot paper would be recorded and announced.

PRESS STATEMENT: On the opening of polls for the 2026 Maldives Local Council, Women’s Development Committee and Constitutional Referendum Elections.

Read Full Statement here: https://t.co/dj10QPOdmv pic.twitter.com/eIzyFPnlDz

— Transparency MV (@TransparencyMV) April 4, 2026

The TA noted that this decision was not communicated prior to the press conference, and nor was it including in training materials for poll workers.

“As a result, we are concerned that not only might this result in administrative confusion for the polling officials and unequal application of the procedure but also impact the secrecy of voters,” warned the organization.

The TA encouraged voters to ask for all ballot papers, and to make their choice at the voting booth.

“To ensure the secrecy of the vote, a voter’s decision on whether or not to cast their vote should not have to be communicated with the polling officials or observers,” said the organization.

The TA encouraged all parties to maintain the climate of peace, and for the public to go out and vote.

The change to the voting procedure has been criticized by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), as well as members of the legal community.