The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has banned heavy vehicles on Malé roads during the second round of voting in the presidential election. In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry announced that vehicles in certain categories driving in the city between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm would face a fine of MVR 750.
The action is being taken to alleviate traffic congestion and prevent difficulties for voters, polling officials, and security efforts, the announcement explained.
Vehicles prohibited from driving include those in categories; C2 and C0 – vehicles with a capacity of 2 tons and above; D – vehicles with specialised attachments or vehicles with three axles; E – trailers or vehicles with trailers; and V – heavy vehicles.
Vehicles used by state agencies and security forces are exempt from the ban, the ministry said.
Malé Mayor Mohamed Muizzu, the Progressive Party of the Maldives endorsed People’s National Congress (PPM/PNC) candidate, and incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate, having garnered the most votes in the first round with 46 percent and 39 percent respectively, will compete for the nation’s top job in the second round run-off of the presidential elections on 30 September.