The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the country's largest opposition party, has strongly condemned the recently passed public referendum bill, claiming it conceals an effort to extend the presidential term by several years.

In a statement released Monday following an extraordinary parliamentary sitting during which the bill was passed, MDP announced that its Parliamentary Group had deliberately abstained from participating in the vote. The party argued that the bill undermines democratic principles and curtails the power of the people.

While acknowledging the significance of public input on national issues in a democratic and republican state like the Maldives, MDP expressed deep concern over what it described as the government's manipulation of the referendum process under the guise of democratic reform.

The statement reads that although the Constitution already grants parliament the authority to hold referendums on matters of public importance, and the president the power to seek public opinion, the push for a separate law is clearly intended to centralize control of referendums within the government.

Stressing that this move aims to serve the government’s agenda under the pretense of reflecting the public will, MDP alleged that one of the hidden motives behind this bill is to facilitate an extension of the presidential term.

MDP also criticized the bill’s proposed timeframes, claiming they are insufficient for public awareness and campaigning, which undermines transparency and weakens democratic participation. According to the party, this rushed timeline appears designed to fast-track government objectives without proper public scrutiny.

Another major concern raised by MDP is the bill’s stipulation that while mandatory referendums can be passed by a majority of members present, Majlis-initiated referendums would require an absolute majority of all members. The party claims this would significantly restrict parliament’s discretionary power and reduce its ability to act independently.

Further, MDP highlighted that the bill allows for the creation of regulations and procedures without defining their scope, effectively handing over extensive control to the Elections Commission of Maldives, an institution chaired by a presidential appointee. The party sees this as a calculated move to indirectly influence and dominate the referendum process.

MDP also drew attention to past inconsistencies, noting that when the government passed legislation to shorten the term of elected local councils from five years to four, no public consultation was conducted.

“Clearly, the objective of this bill is not to genuinely seek the opinion of the public, but to selectively use the process to justify decisions already made by the government. In doing so, it limits citizens' ability to participate in shaping the nation's future,” MDP’s statement.

The statement concluded with a strong assurance to the public, MDP PG remains fully committed to upholding its constitutional responsibility to hold the government accountable and safeguard democratic values.