Polling hours for mayoral by-election extended over bad weather

Elections Commission (EC) has decided to extend the polling hours for Male’ mayoral by-election as heavy rain batters the capital Male’ area.

Maldives Metrological Service (Met Office) has forecasted heavy rain with thunder for Male’ area on Saturday, when the election is set to take place.

Speaking to Sun regarding the matter, EC’s Secretary General Hassan Zakariyya said the polling hours have been extended to ease the voting process for the public.

He detailed that it is an extension of one hour, therewith, polling will proceed till 5:00pm tomorrow.

EC, in a post on X, said bad weather experienced nationwide has resulted in obstruction to travel. In light of this, they said they have extended the polling hours as the public may face difficulties in visiting polling stations.

Male’ Mayoral by-election alongside the by-election for three vacant seats in Male’ City Council is scheduled for Saturday.

Candidates contesting for Male’ Mayor include PNC’s Azima, MDP’s Adam Azim, The Democrats’ Saif Fathih, former police commissioner Hussain Waheed who is leading efforts to form PNC, the new political party spearheaded by former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom and independent candidate Shuaib Ali (Furahani Shuaib).

Met Office forecasted heavy rain with thunder till 10:00pm Saturday morning. However, they said the weather is expected to lighten up late afternoon.