Parliament Election, 21 April 2024

Heatwave, March–April 2024   

Starting in March 2024, the Maldives experienced extreme and unprecedented heat during the tail end of the El Niño phenomenon (Borenstein 2024; Shareef 2024). At the beginning of the heatwave, temperatures were expected to hit 33 degrees Celsius with “feels like” temperatures of 43 degrees due to the humidity (Azeez 2024). The latter measure combines relative humidity with the air temperature (National Weather Service n.d.). Ultimately, “feels like” temperatures went higher still to a record 46.3 degrees Celsius during the first week of April 2024 (Atoll Times 2024). During this time, the Maldives Meteorological Service warned tourists and residents in the Maldives to exercise caution in extreme temperatures (Azeez 2024). The heatwave arose during the month of Ramadan with those fasting facing an exacerbated risk of dehydration (Maldives Financial Review 2024).  

Increased temperatures (and their frequency) across South and South-East Asia are attributed to human-induced climate change, which is thought to have made extreme temperatures 45 times more likely to occur in 2024 (WWA 2024).  

Impact on the electoral process 

The Maldives parliamentary elections took place on 21 April 2024 with an average temperature of 31 degrees Celsius (“feels like” temperature of 41 degrees)a maximum of 32.7 degrees Celsius (WU 2024).  

In the capital Malé, the warmest region in the country, the “feels like” temperature reached 44.2 degrees (actual temperature 32.7 degrees). Voters were seen standing in lines outside of polling stations with umbrellas and hats in order to try and avert the heat (Hussain 2024; SunOnline 2024). 

During the election period, the Maldives Metrological Service (MET) advised residents to avoid strenuous activities from 11:00 to 15:00, the hottest hours of the day (Avas 2024; Azeez 2024). The MET also advised residents to stay hydrated, to seek out air-conditioned spaces or shades areas, and wear loose, lightweight clothing.  

Ahead of election day, in response to difficulties faced by voters in the event of rain or heat, the Maldives Election Commission extended closing time for polling from 16:00 to 17:30 (Shareef 2024).  

Voter turnout was 73.91 per cent, a significant decrease from the voter turnout in 2019 which was 81.32 per cent (International IDEA, n.d.).