In a significant move, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has declared his intention to propose a referendum within this year to merge the Maldives’ presidential and parliamentary elections. This announcement was made during his annual address to the People’s Majlis today morning.
The concept of combining these elections was first introduced by President Muizzu in July 2024. At a People’s National Congress (PNC) celebratory event, he emphasized the need to restructure the nation’s electoral process to minimize economic disruptions. He suggested that holding both elections simultaneously would be more efficient and cost-effective.
Additional Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Beyond the synchronization of elections, President Muizzu outlined plans for other constitutional amendments. He proposed holding referendums on:
- Determining the number of members in the People’s Majlis.
- Changing the start date of the presidential term to November 11.
He stated, “Holding a referendum on amending the Constitution to change to holding the presidential election and the parliamentary election together, and to start the presidential term on November 11. Along with this, amending how the number of members of the People’s Majlis is determined.”
The President also highlighted the importance of establishing a legal framework for conducting referendums on matters requiring public opinion, emphasizing the need for constitutional amendments to facilitate this process.
Previous Considerations and Judicial Reforms
Previously, President Muizzu had suggested a public vote on altering the presidential election system to declare the candidate with the most votes in the first round as the winner, thereby eliminating the need for a second round. However, this proposal was not mentioned in his recent address.
Additionally, the President reiterated the necessity of amending the composition of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) as part of the broader constitutional reforms.
Next Steps
The proposed referendums and constitutional amendments signify a potential shift in the Maldives’ political landscape. The success of these initiatives will depend on public support and the outcomes of the referendums. As the government moves forward with these proposals, the Maldivian populace will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future governance structure.
The administration plans to submit these key bills to the Parliament within the year, aiming to implement the proposed changes promptly.
