On 22 June 2023, the third amendment to the Elections (General) Act (Law no. 11/2008) was ratified.

The amendment specifically targets Section 45 (b) of the Act, where a new provision (c) has been introduced to empower visually impaired voters. Section 45 (c) permits visually impaired individuals to cast their vote independently by using a ballot template.

Section 45-1 elaborates on the concept of the ballot template. This template acts as a visual guide, providing a practical solution for visually impaired voters to mark their ballots accurately. It consists of a plastic sheet with strategically cut-out boxes, aligning with the choices on the ballot paper. By using this template, visually impaired individuals can easily identify the locations of their preferred candidate. This transparent plastic device can be either inserted into the ballot paper or temporarily attached to its top. After the voter has marked the ballot paper using the ballot template, he/she is required to go the polling place to cast the ballot paper after removing it from the template and folding the ballot paper to preserve the secrecy of their vote.

The Elections Commission of the Maldives is responsible for formulating the necessary regulations with the instructions to be given to those who wish to vote using the ballot template.

This amendment reflects the commitment to promote an inclusive electoral process that respects the rights of all its citizens to exercise their voting rights independently and confidentially.