Maldives election: 60% polling in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8 (UNI) Nearly 60 per cent of Maldivian nationals residing in the state capital today exercised their franchise to elect the new President for the Maldives.

Around 1,141 voters registered at the Maldives Consulate here and 600 Maldivians cast their votes till 1700 hrs, First Secretary, Consulate of Maldives, Badoora Saeed told UNI.

The poling started from 0900 hrs and would continue till 2000 hrs, she said.

This was the first time after 30 years that the Indian Ocean Island nation, which is famed for its luxury resorts and beaches, was holding its first multi-party presidential election.

The election fever had gripped certain pockets in the city a few weeks ago, like Medical College area, near here, where majority of the Maldivians were residing for medical treatment and education.

UNI CGV SJ Mir PM1910