Visually impaired voters has now been allowed to register to cast their ballots independently in the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections.
The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) said it will make special arrangements for voters with visual impairments, as required under the General Law on Elections. The law guarantees the right to mark a ballot without assistance from others.
ECM urged visually impaired voters to register by calling the commission’s hotline, 1414, before 10:00 p.m. on February 23. Registration is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. On Fridays, the service runs from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The commission introduced a special ballot template in 2023 to support independent voting by visually impaired people. Voters first used the template during the 2023 presidential election.
ECM said it remains committed to ensuring equal and accessible voting for all eligible citizens.
