News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — The People’s Majlis has approved a constitutional amendment that would merge future presidential and parliamentary elections, a change the government argues will reduce costs and ease the burden on electoral institutions.
The resolution passed on Tuesday with 72 votes in favour during the second sitting of the first session of the year. Seventy three members were present. The only vote against came from MP Abdul Rahman of Addu Meedhoo. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah also voted in support of the amendment.
The proposal was forwarded to the chamber by the Independent Institutions Committee on Monday. Seven members attended the committee meeting, which followed consultations with the Attorney General’s Office, the Election Commission and political parties.
Under the amendment, parliamentary elections would be held concurrently with the presidential vote in accordance with Article 110 of the Constitution. The term of Parliament would run for five years from 1 December and would expire automatically at the end of that period.
The current 20th Parliament is set to end its term on 1 December 2028, with elections to choose its successor held before that date. This shortens the term of the sitting Parliament, since under the Constitution the 20th Parliament would ordinarily remain in office until 2029.
Supporters of the amendment argue that the short interval between the two national elections has increased state expenditure and placed heavy demands on the Election Commission, political parties, candidates and voters. The Election Commission has previously recommended synchronising the two polls.
Many opposition MPs from the Maldivian Democratic Party were absent from the vote after being removed from the chamber for raucous behaviour earlier in the sitting. The MDP has boycotted committee deliberations on the amendment and has pledged to oppose the change.
Because the amendment alters the structure of national elections, it requires approval through a public referendum. The government intends to hold the referendum alongside the local council elections scheduled for April.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has publicly backed the proposal and has said he will seek the people’s approval to merge the two elections. He argues that holding both votes on the same day would be in the public interest and could save an estimated 120 million rufiyaa.
“If the people decide this, I think it is best to amend the Constitution and hold the two elections together in 2028,” he said recently.
The government maintains that the reform will streamline the electoral calendar and reduce administrative strain. The opposition insists it undermines democratic safeguards and has vowed to continue its protests.
