A delegation from the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM), led by President Mohamed Zahid, and Commission Member Hassan Zakariyya, participated in the Thai Election and Referendum Observation Program (EROP) 2026 held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 5 to 9 February 2026.

The programme was organized and hosted by the Election Commission of Thailand and convened international election management bodies and observers with the objective of strengthening cooperation, promoting transparency, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices in electoral administration.

During the programme, the ECM delegation attended a series of official briefings and technical presentations on Thailand’s electoral and referendum framework, including voting procedures, regulatory safeguards, investigation mechanisms, and measures aimed at preventing electoral malpractice. The sessions also outlined the roles, responsibilities, and professional standards expected of international election observers.

As part of the field observation activities, the delegation observed the distribution of election materials and equipment, preparations undertaken by district election authorities, and operational arrangements for polling day. On Election Day, the delegation observed the opening of polling stations, voting and ballot-casting procedures, polling station management, and the closing and unofficial vote-counting processes at the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand.

The participation of the ECM followed an official invitation and nomination extended by the Election Commission of Thailand. The Commission noted that the observation mission provided valuable insights into international best practices and comparative electoral processes. The experience further strengthened institutional cooperation between the two election management bodies and contributed to ECM’s continued efforts to enhance the integrity, transparency, and professionalism of electoral administration in the Maldives