The second round of the presidential elections has been largely a success, the Elections Commission (EC) has said. Speaking at a press conference, EC President Fuad Thaufeeq expressed admiration towards the voting public, characterising voter conduct as exemplary and emblematic of a maturing democracy.
Thaufeeq said that while the elections body had been confident in their capacity to run a smooth, free and fair election, public conduct, and the relatively low number of incidents, showed the public’s trust in the democratic process.
EC Vice-President Ismail Habeeb, while noting instances of disruptions did take place, also expressed confidence that measures taken at, and subsequent to, the incidents were handled aptly and professionally with no effect to the outcome of the vote.
Habeeb further reminded the public that, as the official count was ongoing, election laws restrict gatherings and celebrations until interim results are announced by EC. He also reminded the public that the ‘no campaign window’ officially closes at 6 am on Sunday, meaning celebrations and candidate actions should have to adhere to elections regulations, and exercise restraint, until such time.