The Election Commission (EC) of the Maldives will conduct a nationwide survey to identify why voter turnout is declining, the agency has confirmed.
Speaking on public television, Commission Member and Spokesperson Hassan Zakariyya said the survey will be conducted this month as part of activities commemorating Voters’ Day — the first time the day is being marked in the country.
The survey will be conducted online, he said, explaining that it is important to understand the reason for the low turnout.
“What are the reasons people are reluctant to vote? We are going to get the answer directly from the voter — the survey will be conducted online. Especially in by-elections, the lack of participation in a democratic system is a bad trend, we would then look to agencies to amend the law and regulations to fix things,” he said.
While the survey might not be a significant scientific study, the results will be the word of the people and will be brought to the attention of state agencies, he said. The commission will consider conducting a full scientific study based on the results.
The low voter turnout indicates that people’s interest in engaging in the democratic process might be declining, President of EC Fuad Thowfeeq had said earlier.
The number of voters are decreasing one election after another, which was a matter of concern and one that the nation should work to solve, Thowfeeq had said.
The state spends a significant amount for each election and the Election Commission is committed, in all elections, to enable all eligible voters to exercise their vote.