The Maldives’ Presidential Election 2023 was set for September 9

The Maldives’ Presidential Election for this year was officially set for September 9, with the announcement coming during a press conference by the Elections Commission (EC) at the Manhattan Business Hotel. Fuwad Thawfeek, the President of EC, indicated that in the event of a second round, the final voting round would be on September 30. Approximately 280,000 eligible voters are expected to participate in the election.

Ismail Habeeb, the Vice President of EC, mentioned the establishment of the National Complaints Bureau and the Atoll Complaints Bureaus and discussed the use of the Voice of Maldives building as the primary election center, though it has yet to be handed over.

For this year’s election, 600 ballot boxes are to be deployed. Notably, four candidates declared their intention to compete: President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, former Home Minister Umar Naseer, and Maldives National Party (MNP)’s President Mohamed Nazim. Additional parties, such as Jumhooree Party (JP) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), have also expressed their intention to nominate candidates.

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, leader of the opposing PPM-PNC coalition, presented his presidential ticket. However, Yameen’s previous conviction for money laundering and bribery has rendered him ineligible unless a higher court overturns the Criminal Court’s sentence. The presidential election has been allocated a budget of MVR 90 million in this year’s budget, but EC has requested an increased budget of MVR 120 million to accommodate the anticipated costs. Following the election, the country is expected to see positive developments in fields, such as the hospitality industry in the Maldives; luxury hotels, including the lavish Milaidhoo Island Maldives, offering pleasant stays to travellers.