Decision to place a ballot box at Laamu atoll Kahdhoo airport has attracted criticism and concern over 'vote blackmail.'
Interestingly this is the first time the elections commission has decided on placing a ballot box at the 150 employees airport.
Previously the staffs at Kahdhoo airport caste their votes at the neighboring inhabited island of Fonadhoo.
EC's decision of placing a ballot box at the airport island has directed severe criticism and concern from several individuals employed at the Kahdhoo. Some show worries of 'blackmail' or employer's effort to pressurize employees to sway votes.
An employee of Kahdhoo airport addressed the issue to Avas Online stating issue of threats over job loss is common in the region.
The anonymous source further detailed that employees from Kahdhoo can reach the most outward district of Fonadhoo within a five minute bike ride. The source noted there have been no issues regarding vote casting in previous elections, and found no new reason why it would be difficult to practice previous conduct.
While this is the first time Kahdhoo airport, operated as a military base, will receive a ballot box several resorts with local employees have been omitted from ballot box venues.
EC has decided to place ballot boxes in only seven resorts for 2018 presidential elections. A decision that has directed echoing lambastes towards ruling party and the electoral watchdog.
