International observers have commended the Maldives for the peaceful and orderly conduct of its recent local council elections, women’s development committee polls, and national referendum.
Following a comprehensive monitoring mission spanning the nation’s northernmost atolls to its southernmost islands, observer teams reported a smooth electoral process marked by transparency, professionalism, and adherence to democratic standards.
Speaking at a press briefing, Rozvat Gasimov, Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan’s Central Election Commission and representative of the international observer delegation, praised the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) for its meticulous organisation.
“We noticed that all the arrangements were very thorough. The officials at the polling stations were well informed about the elections and very professional. We have not observed anything that could have changed the results of the elections,” Gasimov said.
He confirmed that no legal violations were detected that could have undermined the integrity of the vote, emphasising that the process was free, fair, and in line with international norms.
Gasimov, who also observed the 2024 parliamentary elections in the Maldives, noted significant improvements in electoral administration and voter engagement over successive polls.
A total of 38 international observers, including 14 representatives from seven countries and diplomats from various embassies stationed in Maldives, participated in the monitoring effort at the invitation of the ECM.
The observer mission assessed every stage of the electoral cycle—from polling and ballot security to vote counting and tabulation—and reported no incidents of unrest or systemic irregularities.