The Elections Commission (EC) has clarified that only a “tick” mark (✓) shall be considered valid in all Maldivian elections and referendums. Regarding the upcoming referendum, the Commission emphasized that any ballot paper containing drawings, writing, or any markings other than a single tick mark will be declared invalid. Therefore, voters must place a tick mark in their preferred box—whether choosing “Yes” or “No.” This referendum is being conducted to seek public opinion on the proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously on the same day.
