International observers who participated in the election process have said that Saturday's presidential election was peaceful, free, and fair.

In a meeting held at the Election Commission's election centre this afternoon, observers highlighted the voting arrangements in the first round and all aspects of the election, unlike previous years, was peaceful.

The observers focused more on the planning and the atmosphere at the polling booths, stating they could see that polling arrangements were being made everywhere in a free, non-violent environment. They also noted EC's efforts to provide ease to disabled, pregnant, and elderly voters.

In addition, all foreign observers noted that the local observers and citizens displayed patience at the centres and outside the centres, from the time the ballot box was closed until the votes were counted.

The Japanese observer said this year's election was transparent, while the Central Election of Georgia observer said violence at polling stations had not been identified and that it was different from previous presidential elections in the Maldives in many ways.

Highlighting the conveniences of this year's ballot paper, the Philippine observer said, "It was easier even for those who might not be literate because the ballot paper had pictures of presidential candidates on it."

Speaking about the gap in the elections held in the Maldives and other countries, Mahinda Deshapriya, Head of the Mission, who was part of the delegation of observers from abroad, said the EC's responsibilities are not limited to creating ballot papers, but also ensuring a peaceful election, which EC did quite well.

The meeting was attended by an observer from the Philippines Election Commission, an observer from the UNITED Kingdom, an observer from Georgia, an observer from Japan and an observer from South Africa. A total of 165 observers and monitors from abroad present to monitor the presidential elections in the Maldives.