A delegation from the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM), led by President of the Commission Mr. Mohamed Shakeel and comprising Commission Member Mr. Hassan Zakariyya and Commission Member Uz. Rifath Abdulla, participated in the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Elections in a Period of Turbulence”, held in the Russian Federation from 18 to 19 September 2026. The delegation subsequently participated in the International Observation Programme for the State Duma elections, held on 20 September 2026.

The International Scientific and Practical Conference brought together representatives of election management bodies, international organisations, electoral experts, and other stakeholders from various countries to discuss contemporary developments and challenges in election administration during periods of political and institutional turbulence. The conference served as a platform for the exchange of experiences, perspectives, and professional practices relating to the administration of elections in complex and changing circumstances.

During the conference, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation facilitated discussions on key aspects of electoral administration during periods of instability and political turbulence. The sessions provided participants with an opportunity to examine the challenges encountered by election management bodies in maintaining the continuity, effectiveness, and integrity of electoral processes under challenging circumstances. The conference also facilitated the sharing of knowledge and experiences among representatives of electoral institutions from different countries.

 

Following the conclusion of the conference, the ECM delegation participated in the International Observation Programme for the State Duma elections conducted on 20 September 2026. The programme brought together international observers and representatives of election management bodies and electoral institutions to observe the electoral process and gain comparative insights into the Russian electoral framework and election administration practices.

On Election Day, the ECM delegation observed various stages of the electoral process, including the opening of polling stations, voting procedures, and the administration of polling activities. The delegation also visited polling stations to observe the conduct of voting and the implementation of established electoral procedures.

The participation of the ECM delegation in the conference and international observation programme provided an opportunity to gain comparative insights into contemporary electoral administration, challenges in election management, and practices applied by electoral institutions in different contexts. The engagement also contributed to strengthening institutional cooperation and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, professional experiences, and practices among election management bodies.

The ECM continues to recognise international conferences, professional exchanges, and election observation programmes as valuable avenues for enhancing institutional knowledge, strengthening professional networks, and promoting the exchange of experiences and practices in the field of election management.