Maldives
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: The Maldives is made up of 26 natural atolls which have been grouped into 20 administrative atolls for election purposes.
Source: Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations: http://www.un.int/maldives/
Last updated: 2004-08-24 14:49:46 UTC
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
e. Not applicable
Source: Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations: http://www.un.int/maldives/
Last updated: 2004-08-24 14:50:03 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
h. Not applicable
Source: Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations: http://www.un.int/maldives/
Last updated: 2004-08-24 14:50:22 UTC
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
g. Not applicable
Source: Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations: http://www.un.int/maldives/
Last updated: 2004-08-24 14:50:46 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Hanna Berheim
b. Job Title: Research Assistant
c. Organisation: International IDEA
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
b. Optional referendum
Comments: C:42 "(f) Holding public referendums on major issues concerning which the President requires to obtain public opinion." C:132. "It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Elections, in accordance with the Constitution and law, to organise and conduct the general public vote to elect the President, elections of the members of the People’s Majlis and the People’s Special Majlis and public referendums as may be required by the President to obtain public opinion." C:133 "Voting in elections and public referendums stipulated in the Constitution and the law shall be by secret ballot."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of the Maldives, art. 42, 132 and 133
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:13:07 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:10:09 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:42 "(f) Holding public referendums on major issues concerning which the President requires to obtain public opinion." C:132. "It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Elections, in accordance with the Constitution and law, to organise and conduct the general public vote to elect the President, elections of the members of the People’s Majlis and the People’s Special Majlis and public referendums as may be required by the President to obtain public opinion." C:133 "Voting in elections and public referendums stipulated in the Constitution and the law shall be by secret ballot."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of the Maldives, art. 42, 132 and 133
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:13:07 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:12:35 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
Comments: j) All major issues. C:42 "(f) Holding public referendums on major issues concerning which the President requires to obtain public opinion."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of the Maldives, art. 42
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:13:07 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:13:07 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
c. Never
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:13:07 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 14:05:46 UTC
Electoral Management
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
Comments: The Commissioner of Elections has the responsibility to conduct the general public vote to elect the President, the Peoples Majlis, the Peoples Special Majlis and public referendums as may be required by the President. Presidential elections in Male are conducted and supervised by the Office of the commissioner of Elections while Presidential elections in the other atolls are conducted and supervised by the atoll offices and island offices.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 132.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 12:15:32 UTC
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
a. The President
Source: Constitution 1998, article 130.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 12:16:11 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Comments: c.) The President decides the term of office of the Commissioner of Elections.
Source: Constitution 1998, articles 132, 136 and 137.
Last updated: 2004-09-02 09:40:23 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
Source: Constitution 1998, articles 4(2), 33.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 07:44:33 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
f. Other
Comments: The President of the Maldives is elected in the following stages: (i) Candidates are screened by the Commissioner of Elections. Their names are announced to Parliament and the public. (ii) 3 days after, the Parliament elects one of these nominees in a secret ballot. If no candidate obtains an absolute majority of votes, a run-off between the 2 strongest candidates is held. If the candidate fails to obtain an absolute majority, the candidacy process will have start all over again. (iii) The winning candidate has to be confirmed in a popular referendum by 51% of the valid votes. If the candidate fails to obtain an absolute majority, the candidacy process will have to start all over again.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 35.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 07:55:25 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution 1998, article 32.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 07:56:04 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: The People's Majlis.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:17:58 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
c. Block Vote
Comments: Elections to the Peoples Majlis are held according to the binomial system plurality system in two-member constituencies, the electors having one vote each. In addition to this, 8 members are appointed by the President.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 64. Law on General Elections (No:5/81H), article 22(a).
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:18:20 UTC
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:10:43 UTC
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:11:03 UTC
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
c. Regional/provincial level
Comments: Two members are elected from each of the 20 atolls and Male to the People's Majlis.
Source: Law on General Elections (No:5/81H), article 22(a).
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:18:46 UTC
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:18:14 UTC
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Source: Constitution 1998.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:18:57 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable X
Source: Constitution 1998. Regulations on General Elections.
Last updated: 2004-09-02 08:04:03 UTC
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:20:09 UTC
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:20:30 UTC
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Comments: Although parties are not legally banned, they do not exist on the Maldives.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:21:47 UTC
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:22:42 UTC
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments: The two candidates with the highest shares of votes from each atoll are sent to the Majlis.
Source: Law on General Elections (No:5/81H), article 22(a).
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:19:14 UTC
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legisalture consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:24:42 UTC
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: Elections are held every 5 years and they have to be called within 30 days of the expiration of the existing Majlis.
Source: Constitution 1988, articles 65 and 88.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:26:29 UTC
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution 1988, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 08:27:14 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Source: Constitution 1998. Law on Presidential Elections (No.1/98). General Elections Law (No.5/81H).
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:26:30 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Comments: Presidential elections are regulated by the Law on Presidential Elections (No.1/98). The Law on General Elections (No.5/81H) regulates elections to the Peoples Majlis.
Source: Law on Presidential Elections (No.1/98). Law on General Elections (No.5/81H).
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:27:42 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 589.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 09:39:03 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: Regional elections are not held on the Maldives.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 09:45:00 UTC
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments: In 1972, the presidential term was changed from 4 to 5 years to avoid a possible coincidence with parliamentary elections.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 09:50:19 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
b. EMB
Comments: b.) The Commissioner of Elections.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 135.
Last updated: 2004-09-02 08:46:53 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Source: Constitution 1998, article 135.
Last updated: 2004-09-02 08:47:09 UTC
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
e. Other
Comments: The article prescribes that "any person" who has knowledge of the commission of a prohibited act or suspicion of one can make a petition.
Source: Law on General Elections, article 29.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 11:55:23 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties or candidates.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:04:15 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 08:15:29 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
i. Minimum level of literacy
j. Other
Comments: a.) 25 years. j.) Muslim religion.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 66.
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:21:59 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 08:25:38 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
e. Citizenship of parents
j. Other
Comments: a.) 35 years. e.) Parents and Grandparents need to be Maldivian citizens. j.) Need to be a male and of Muslim- Sunni-religion. Capable of discharging the duties and responsibilities of the office of the President.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 34.
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:21:59 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
c. Criminal record
k. Mental health problems
l. Multiple Citizenship
Source: Constitution 1998, article 66.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 08:36:30 UTC
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
c. Criminal record
k. Mental health problems
l. Multiple Citizenship
p. Other
Comments: p.) The candidate should not be married to a national of a foreign country.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 34.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 08:38:28 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: The candidates in presidential and legislative elections can stand as independent candidates not affiliated to any political party.
Source: http://www.elections.gov.mv
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:18:09 UTC
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: a.) A signed written application has to be submitted which includes: (1) full name and address (2) sex (3) date of birth (4) last address of residence (5) occupation (specifying the designation) (6) constituency. b.) A deposit of a sum of Rf. 2000/-has to be submitted with the application.
Source: Regulations on General Elections, article 3(a). Law on General Elections, article 7(a).
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:21:59 UTC
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 08:57:54 UTC
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
d. Other
Comments: The candidate has to submit the following: (a) The form contained in schedule 1 to the Regulations on Presidential Elections. (b) Maldivian Identity Card indicating the name, permanent address and date of birth of the person, the official document mentioned herein shall be the; where the Identity Card is not available the Birth Certificate; or other official documents mentioned in the Article 12. (c) A declaration to the effect that the applicant is a Muslim of Sunni following, is a citizen of the Maldives whose parents and grandparents are Maldivian citizens, is a male person who has attained 35 years of age, is of sound mind, is capable of discharging the duties and responsibilities of the office of President, has not been convicted of an offence for which is prescribed in Islam, has not been convicted of criminal breach of trust and thereby brought into disrepute, is not a citizen of a foreign country and is not married to a citizen of a foreign country, (schedule2) (d) Information relating to the employment of the person applying to become a candidate for the office of President. (schedule 3) (e) Information relating to the business, if any, carried on or participated in by the person applying to become a candidate for the office of President. (schedule 4)
Source: Regulations on General Elections, article 12.
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:21:59 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Comments: No provisions for public funding of independent or party candidates.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:19:04 UTC
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Comments: No provisions for public funding of independent or party candidates.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:21:59 UTC
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Comments: No provisions for public funding of independent or party candidates.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:19:50 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: No provisions for public funding of independent or party candidates.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:20:31 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable
Comments: No provisions for public funding of independent or party candidates.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:20:31 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
b. No
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:33:24 UTC
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
d. Not Applicable
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 588.
Last updated: 2004-09-02 08:56:24 UTC
PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
d. Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise
Comments: The following candidate provisions are applicable: (a) ceiling on the amount that a candidate can incur as election expenditure for Presidential Elections (b) For elections to the Peoples Majlis, expenses incurred in canvassing for votes in a candidate's constituency shall not exceed the sum calculated at the rate of Rf. 100/- for every person of the constituency having the right to vote, plus 10% of the said sum for every inhabited island of the constituency, where a constituency has more than one inhabited island.
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, article 4(b). Law on General Elections, article 11 (a) and (b).
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:21:59 UTC
PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
a. National Electoral Management body
Comments: Financial expenses of individual candidates are administered and enforced by the Commissioner of Elections.
Source: Regulations on General Elections, article 4(b).
Last updated: 2007-11-05 12:21:39 UTC
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
Source: Regulations on General Elections, article 8(d).
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:46:17 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution 1998, article 63.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:47:12 UTC
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
d. Categorical (only possible to make one mark)
f. Same ballot papers used nation-wide
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, article 23(d).
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:48:14 UTC
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
c. At special counting centres
Comments: The Office of the Commissioner of Elections determines the counting centers.
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, article 33. Regulations on General Elections, article 18.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:50:22 UTC
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
e. National level
Comments: The results are announced by the Commissioner of Elections.
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, articles 37 and 38. Regulations on General Elections, article 20.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:52:33 UTC
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
b. No
Comments: The final results are announced by the Commissioner of Elections.
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, articles 37 and 38. Regulations on General Elections, article 20.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:54:20 UTC
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
d. Not applicable X
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, articles 37 and 38. Regulations on General Elections, article 20.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:56:09 UTC
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Comments: The results are announced by the Commissioner of Elections.
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, articles 37 and 38. Regulations on General Elections, article 20.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:57:53 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Comments: Commissioner of Elections supervised by the Office of the Commissioner of Elections for presidential elections, and by the atoll offices and island offices for elections to the Peoples Majlis and Peoples Special Majlis. The Commonwealth expert group that monitored the parliamentary elections in 2005 noted that the media failed to provide even basic voter education.
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, articles 1(a). Law on Presidential Elections (No.1/98), article 8. The Commonwealth expert group :http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/uploadedfiles/300595FA-500A-40B8-BDC8-C63AE874CADB_MaldivesFinalReportWEB2005a.pdf Regulations on General Elections, articles 1(a), 2(a). Law on General Elections (No.5/81H), article 12.
Last updated: 2007-02-08 12:29:19 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
b. At any polling station in the same voting district
Source: Regulations on General Elections, article 17. Regulations on Presidential Elections, article 30.
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:25:00 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 589.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:15:52 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Maldivian citizens living outside the Maldives are not allowed to participate in the elections.
Source: Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz and Christof Hartmann (eds.) Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Vol. I Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, pg 589.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:17:15 UTC
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No
Source: Law on General Elections, article 12.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:17:51 UTC
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable
Source: Law on General Elections, article 12.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:18:31 UTC
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
g. Not applicable
Source: Law on General Elections, article 12.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:19:18 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Comments: For Presidential elections, the voter places an affirmative mark on the ballot paper for the candidate selected by the People's Majlis.
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, article 28. Law on General Elections, article 17.
Last updated: 2004-08-25 12:28:40 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 7
b. The largest polling station: 7
Comments: 4 election officials are appointed by the Commissioner of Elections in respect of each ballot box to administer the matters of polling. In addition three persons shall be appointed to every polling station, for the purposes of arranging the voters in an orderly fashion and to oversee matters such as the unwarranted staying of persons within the premises of the polling station.
Source: Regulations on Presidential Elections, articles 20(a) and 21.
Last updated: 2004-09-02 09:36:14 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
f. 21
Source: Constitution 1998, article 134(c).
Last updated: 2004-08-24 15:06:27 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Source: Constitution 1998, article 134.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 15:18:14 UTC
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
c. Detention
d. Mental disability
Source: Constitution 1998, article 134.
Last updated: 2004-08-24 15:18:46 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Commissioner of Elections, assisted by the Office of the Commissioner of Elections.
Source: Office of the Commissioner of Elections: http://www.eom.gov.mv/
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:19:59 UTC
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
a. National citizens register
Comments: The Commissioner of Elections prepares the voters register for Presidential elections and elections to the People's Majlis.
Source: Law on Presidential Elections (No.1/98), article 4 (b). Law on General Elections (No.5/81H), article 5 (b).
Last updated: 2004-10-07 14:20:49 UTC
20/05/2008 07:19
