This report assesses the conduct of the Maldives’ 2026 Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Elections, and the Constitutional Referendum, based on observations and evidence collected throughout the election cycle. Drawing on long-term and election-day observation, media monitoring, interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary review, the report evaluates the process against
Transparency Maldives expresses serious concern over recent developments restricting civic and democratic space in the Maldives, particularly with respect to the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of media, expression and assembly. On 27 April, the Maldives Police Service conducted a raid on the offices of Adhadhu News. The officers entered the premises under a
Transparency Maldives issued press statements on the opening and closing of polls on 4 April 2026 for the local council elections. Maldives concurrently conducted the Women's Development Committee elections and Constitutional Referendum. Transparency Maldives said the Election Day processes were generally transparent while observers noted issues with election administration and preparedness, and
Overview Today, 4 April 2026, Maldivians go to the polls in what is arguably the country’s most complex electoral exercise since the introduction of multi-party democracy in 2008.1 On a single day, voters are participating in three concurrent electoral events: the Local Council Elections, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Elections, and a
Download the press release here: English/Dhivehi On 4 April 2026, the Republic of Maldives will conduct three concurrent electoral events: Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee Elections, and a Constitutional Referendum on the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. This is the most complex electoral day the country has seen since multiparty democracy
Transparency Maldives expresses concern over the proposed changes to the Decentralization Act through bill 18-(ބ)/20/2025 submitted to the parliament on 28th July 2025, which limits the role of councils by taking away their administrative powers, threatening their autonomy and imposing barriers to the provision of essential public services and development initiatives. Local
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 released today by Transparency International reveals that the Maldives, has fallen one point in the CPI score, from 39 to 38, and remains amongst the two-thirds of countries to score below 50. The CPI annually scores and ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived level
Transparency Maldives expresses concerns over the ongoing use of fraudulent practices through misuse of personal information, abuse of power and resources in the submission of political party membership forms to the Elections Commission. The recent events related to illegally accessing public records to obtain personal information, including that of Members of Parliament
On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, we reaffirm our commitment towards combating corruption and improving transparency. The theme of this year's International Anti-Corruption Day is "Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity" highlighting the vital role young people play in the fight against corruption. With the launch of our
We express grave concerns regarding the amendments brought to the Constitution of the Maldives through the Constitutional Amendments Bill submitted by the Government to the Parliament on 19 November 2024. We strongly condemn the hasty process followed in the Bill’s passage by the Parliament and ratification of the Bill by President Dr.
2024 marks 10 years since the ratification of the RTI Act in the Maldives. The RTI Act has proven instrumental in empowering communities, promoting citizen participation, and holding the government and public institutions accountable. As the Act concerns a fundamental human right guaranteed to all by the Constitution of the Maldives, the
ANFREL member Transparency Maldives released a handbook to help the youth in Maldives "ignite positive change" in their community. The "Youth Civic Handbook" contains information exploring fundamentals of democracy and human rights, with particular focus on political parties, elections and climate governance. The handbook also contains useful tools to address local and
We express grave concern over the recent and sudden death of Mohamed Jameel, who was being held at K. Maafushi Prison under the care of Maldives Correctional Services. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time. This incident necessitates an immediate and thorough
Transparency Maldives invited young content creators and advocates in the country to join the Short Movie Challenge. Registration deadline is on 20 June 2024. The films produced should be around the themes of gender equality, youth empowerment and civil engagement, mental health awareness and support, and human rights and anti-corruption. Participants must
Transparency Maldives appreciates and thanks the nearly 270 observers and volunteers in our observer network, deployed across the country and abroad in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 206 polling stations. Without them this domestic observation would not have been possible. Transparency Maldives believes that an independent observation effort at
Transparency Maldives is observing today’s Parliamentary Elections with an observer network around the country spanning Malé, the atolls, and prisons, as well as abroad in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We thank the nearly 270 observers and volunteers deployed across 205 ballots boxes across the country and abroad for their
14 April 2024: Election observation is one of the most important activities conducted by Transparency Maldives in its efforts to strengthen the electoral system and increase people's confidence in elections. Since the first multi-party presidential election in 2008, Transparency Maldives has observed all national elections. Prior to fielding the nation-wide observation, TM
The routine of promises and pledges ahead of an election has become customary and influences the voters’ right to freely choose a candidate. We continue to observe the abuse of state resources, undermining the democratic competitive nature of elections and skewing the level playing field in favour of the incumbent. Transparency Maldives
Transparency Maldives condemns the interference of the Local Government Authority (LGA) by instructing to revoke the statement issued by the N. Kendhikulhudhoo Council. The Council had released a statement on 2 March 2024 condemning the abuse of state resources by the incumbent government during an official event organised by the council. This
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023 released today by Transparency International reveals that the Maldives, has fallen one point in the CPI score, from 40 to 39, and remains amongst the two-thirds of countries to score below 50. The CPI annually scores and ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived level
DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE: "Asian Electoral Review: Advancing Electoral Democracy through Electoral Reforms" The year 2024 has been dubbed as the year of elections with more than 50 countries and territories around the world set to hold national and regional elections.1 In the first quarter of the year alone, Bangladesh and
28 NOVEMBER 2023: Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), Transparency Maldives,Association for Democracy in the Maldives (ADM), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ),Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urge the Government of Maldives to expedite investigations and for the relevant authorities to pursue, where evidence permits, prosecutions to end impunity for serious crimes
Transparency Maldives strongly condemns the commutation of the sentences of Ahmed Adeeb and Abdulla Ziyath, with four days until President Solih’s term expires. This is not only an abuse of the clemency and sentence commutation powers of the President, but represents the epitome of the protection, impunity and privilege enjoyed by political
UPDATE: Application deadline has been extended until 23 October 2023. Transparency Maldives is now accepting applications for its Youth Camp 2023 on climate action and social accountability which will be held on 5-10 November 2023. Youth Camp 2023 is open for members of the youth who are 18-24 years old. Through the
Article 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives stipulates that the power of the State of the Maldives is derived from and remains with the people. Article 262 (b) of the Constitution further stipulates that amendments proposed to Chapter II of the Constitution (The Maldivian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,
Maldives headed to a runoff election on 30 September 2023 after no presidential candidate was able to secure enough votes to win. Transparency Maldives (TM) said the election was relatively peaceful with a few isolated cases of reported violence at polling stations. TM observed a few number of voters weren't able to
On 20 September 2023, the People’s Majlis passed a resolution to direct the Elections Commission to hold a public referendum by 30 October 2023, on changing the existing system of government. The resolution was approved by 35 members, following the approval of the resolution by the Committee of the Whole House. Following
Transparency Maldives, in their interim statement on the 2023 Presidential Election, said the Election day processes went well but expressed some concerns about the election environment especially on abuse of state resources. Election Day The report indicated that the Election Day administration was well managed by the Elections Commission (EC). The opening
Transparency Maldives said in their initial observation statements that the 2023 Maldivian Presidential Election was generally peaceful and orderly. The opening procedure at polling stations went well with all polling stations open by 9 a.m. and 85% of polling stations open within the first 10 minutes of the required opening time. The
As Maldives is set to hold a presidential election on 9 September 2023, ANFREL member Transparency Maldives released their pre-election assessment to provide recommendations to mitigate challenges for holding free, fair, and credible election. The assessment report seeks to review the electoral legal framework, understand emerging challenges for holding a free and