The distribution of ballot papers and voting paraphernalia for the upcoming presidential elections has been delayed, the Elections Commission (EC) has said.
In a post to social media, EC Vice President Ismail Habeeb said, “The [voting] paraphernalia scheduled to be sent to the polling stations in the northern provinces could not be sent this morning due to bad weather. All the equipment loaded onto the speedboats has now been brought back to the EC.”
Once dispatched, city councils and atoll councils will take initial possession, and those agencies would then begin delivery of the voting paraphernalia to polling stations on 6 September, Habeeb explained, detailing the distribution process before today’s weather-induced delay.
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) will ensure the safety and security of all items sent to polling stations, EC said.
EC had previously planned to begin the dispatch of ballot slips, which had been checked and packed, and voting paraphernalia early this morning.