Papers resembling forged ballots discovered in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll School

Prints of papers resembling ballots used in the September 7th presidential elections have been discovered hidden on the ceiling of a toilet in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll School (Gaafu Dhaalu Atholhu Madharusa) in Gadhdhoo.

Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo Council President Mohamed Rizaan told Sun tonight that the papers were discovered by students, sometime today.

“The papers, similar to ballot papers, dropped down from a hole in the ceiling when some students hit the ceiling while they were messing around in the toilet. The child [student] was at home when the police was informed, and they [police] questioned him and checked further,” Rizaan said.

He said that about 16 pieces of paper were discovered and that in place of the Jumhoory Party candidate Gasim Ibrahim's photograph printed in the official ballot papers, the forged papers had party’s logo.

Rizaan said that police have now cordoned-off the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll School area and are conducting a search of the school.

The councilor said that the forged papers were marked with ticks in the designated boxes of various candidates, and that they even consisted of some papers that would have been counted as invalid votes.

Police Media Official confirmed that they have cordoned-off the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll School area and that police are currently active at the scene. However, the official did not provide details.