Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has issued a scathing critique of the Elections Commission (EC), alleging significant negligence in mobilizing the public for today’s local council elections and constitutional referendum.

Speaking to the press after casting his ballot at Ahmadhiyya School, Yameen expressed profound disappointment over the commission’s handling of the electoral process. He characterized the EC’s approach as irresponsible, specifically citing the lack of polling stations for Maldivians living abroad and perceived failures within the re-registration phase as major factors disenfranchising the electorate.

Yameen emphasized that the EC holds a fundamental constitutional obligation to foster public awareness and ensure high voter participation in matters of national significance. He argued that the commission must not view mobilization as optional but as a mandatory duty, urging all eligible citizens to fulfill their national responsibility despite any prevailing public apathy.

Approximately 294,937 citizens are eligible to vote in today’s polls, which are open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In addition to selecting representatives for local councils and Women’s Development Committees, the public is voting on a key referendum regarding the potential synchronization of future presidential and parliamentary elections.