By Minivan News | February 5th, 2011 | Category: Politics | 13 comments The Maldives votes today in its first local council elections. Minivan News will provide rolling coverage throughout the day (scroll down). Local Council Election Guide (English) 10:00 - The countrys ballot boxes opened from eight this morning without any major disruptions across the country and are expected to remain in use until 4:00pm this afternoon, according to Elections Commission (EC) President, Fuwad Thaufeeq.Thaufeeq told Minivan News that there were no reports of delays or closures at any of the countrys polling stations, with an additional two ballot boxes opened in Trivandrum, India and Colombo, Sri Lanka, for Maldivian nationals overseas.All the [polling] stations were opened on time and many were staffed from about 45 minutes before operating to ensure they were fully ready, he said. We also have the two boxes in Sri Lanka and India that will also open between 8:

Haanee Naeem has added a photo to the pool: Maldives; a natural wonder Vote "Maldives" www.news7wonders.com

axaje has added a photo to the pool: Creation of Maldivian Skinny "Hulk"

35NW3 has added a photo to the pool:

Mohamed Malik has added a photo to the pool: Holidays are over studies have resumed again so im back in male..this picture was taken sometime in Dec last year. Special thanks for Abdullah Shathir, Easa Moosa & Abdullah Ali...For Posing for this picture.....

By Minivan News | February 3rd, 2011 | Category: News in Brief | 5 comments Maldivian staff at the proposed Lithuanian Blondes only resort will wear wigs, Olialia Brand Manager Lauryna Anuseviciut has confirmed in an interview with Associated Press.Anuseviciute told AP that staff who are not blond will wear a blond wig to make everyone look similar.Companies in the Maldives are required to employ at least 50 percent local staff, few of whom have blonde hair.Plans for the resort are still at an infant stage, but early designs show the island will be shaped as a gigantic high-heeled shoe.Anuseviciute insisted to AP that Olialia had already secured financing for the plan, however the Maldivian government says it has yet to issue a permit or even see a proposal.

ashfaa has added a photo to the pool: