Parliament passes bill to hold two elections concurrently
The Parliament has passed a constitutional amendment to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections with a majority of 72 votes. Under this change, the term of the 20th Parliament will be shortened by six months, ensuring that both elections are held concurrently starting in 2028. This amendment marks a significant overhaul of the Maldives' electoral system.
A session of the People's Majlis. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
The People's Majlis has passed a government-proposed bill to synchronize parliamentary and presidential elections.
The bill was passed during Tuesday's parliamentary sitting with a significant majority of 72 members voting in favor. Only one member voted against the bill.
The bill, which was reviewed by the Committee on Independent Institutions, was introduced by Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
The government's proposal includes a provision to synchronize the two elections and shorten the term of the current 20th People's Majlis. The bill to amend the Constitution was passed exactly as proposed by the government, without any further amendments.
The Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions, chaired by Maafushi MP Hussain Riza Adam, approved the bill during its meeting on Monday. The session was attended by MP Ali Ibrahim of West Henveiru, MP Ashraf Rasheed of Faresmaathoda, MP Ibrahim Shujau of Baarah, MP Abdulla Latheef Mohamed of Dhidhdhoo, and MP Ibrahim Hussain of South Fuvahmulah. The bill was passed with the unanimous support of all members present, with the exception of MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem of South Galolhu, who represents the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The proposed amendment to the Constitution stipulates that parliamentary elections must be held concurrently with the presidential election conducted under Article 110 of the Constitution.
Once this amendment is ratified, the term of the 20th Parliament will conclude on December 1, 2028. As a result, the current tenure of the 20th Parliament will be reduced by six months.
Previously, the term of the People's Majlis was defined as five years starting from the date of its inaugural session following a general election. However, under the proposed amendment, the five-year term will instead be calculated commencing from the 1st of December.
The rapid progress of this bill is believed to be aimed at facilitating a referendum on holding synchronized elections, to be conducted alongside the local council elections scheduled for April. The Elections Commission has previously stated that a referendum could only be held concurrently with the April elections if the relevant laws are amended by February 18. If the bill is passed as approved by the committee without further amendments, the 2028 parliamentary and presidential elections will be held simultaneously.
