The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) recently participated in the Executive Board Meeting of the Asian Association of Election Authorities (AAEA), held on 9 May 2025 in Manila, Philippines. The meeting brought together election management bodies from across the region to exchange ideas, explore electoral innovations, and strengthen cooperation in promoting democratic governance and electoral integrity.

 

ECM was represented by Vice-President Mr. Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed and Secretary General Mr. Abdulla Unais, who actively contributed to the discussions. During the session, ECM reaffirmed its firm commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring transparent and inclusive electoral processes.

 

Key agenda items included proposals to establish a permanent AAEA Secretariat in New Delhi, India, along with deliberations on proposed amendments to the AAEA Charter, aimed at enhancing the Association’s structure and operational efficiency.

 

In addition to participating in the AAEA Board Meeting, Vice-President Salah Rasheed and Secretary General Unais attended an election observation mission upon the formal invitation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) of the Philippines. The observation mission focused on the Midterm National and Local Elections, including the first-ever Parliamentary Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), held on 12 May 2025.

 

These landmark elections introduced new technologies and process improvements, marking a significant technological innovation by COMELEC aimed at enhancing the transparency, accessibility, and efficiency of the voting process. This development underscores the Philippines' commitment to electoral modernization.

 

The Elections Commission of Maldives deeply values this opportunity to observe and learn from regional best practices and remains fully committed to strengthening its institutional capacity, promoting inclusive participation, and expanding international cooperation in the advancement of democracy.