News Desk
The Maldives has introduced its first electronic petition system, a move officials say will broaden public access to parliamentary processes and strengthen democratic participation through digital tools.
The e‑petition portal was launched yesterday in Malé, with the Speaker of Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdullah, describing the initiative as an important step in deepening the relationship between citizens and the legislature. He said the system would allow people to engage directly with Majlis without relying solely on elected representatives to submit petitions on their behalf.
The new platform enables citizens to file petitions online and track their progress as they move through parliamentary procedures. Authentication will be carried out through eFaas, the Maldives’ citizen‑centric digital governance platform, which will help ensure the integrity and security of submissions.
Parliamentary staff noted that the system is designed to reduce dependence on Members of Majlis to initiate petitions, allowing individuals anywhere in the country to submit requests with ease. The portal also introduces signature thresholds that will trigger specific parliamentary actions once a petition gains sufficient public support.
With the launch of the portal, the Maldives becomes one of the few legislatures in South Asia and Southeast Asia to establish a formal electronic petition mechanism.
The platform was developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, with technical and financial support from the governments of the United Kingdom and Australia.
