Maldives Police Service (MPS) has said that no one can enter Elections Commission (EC) security room without their knowledge. Police further added that there is no chance that a complaint will emerge regarding the matter during upcoming Parliamentary elections.

Police elaborated further on the matter during a press conference held at Iskandhar Koshi building this afternoon. As such, MPS informed that there had been previous complaints that people had entered the Elections Commission security room without the knowledge of Police, after voting booths had closed and proceeded to add votes. The institution also said that although the complaints have happened before, there is no chance that such a complaint can emerge regarding upcoming Parliamentary elections this time.

MPS reiterated that the Police are immensely prepared to ensure security at all voting proceedings and the Elections Commission under an agreement between MPS and the Commission. It has also been reported that Police are preparing to accompany vote boxes at locations where the boxes will be kept in foreign countries.

Police spoke further on the matter at the press conference and said that trainings and preparations for the elections have been made from earlier on. As such, Police officers have also been assigned to various local islands where there may be a shortage. While the security operations for Parliamentary elections have been titled- “Operation Blue Tide”, Police have assured that the officers will work towards ensuring that elections proceed within a peaceful environment.

MPS also advised to not cause damage to property and valuables during the campaign process as well as to remain within societal rules during campaign activity. Police reiterated that they would need the cooperation of Parliamentary candidates, their representatives as well as supporters during the voting process and added that they will in no way allow any chaos or violence to ensue.

Police also noted that while there are not that many complaints concerning upcoming elections, the majority of complaints have been filed from Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll with 31 complaints. MPS said that while the complaints have been received by Police, they will be working with the Elections Commission to take measures regarding these complaints.