"President Muizzu’s pledges to deliver on projects by 2030 are clear evidence of an ongoing campaign aimed at extending his term in office"
The Parliament has passed the government-proposed constitutional amendment to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections, despite a boycott by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The MDP parliamentary group has condemned the move, alleging that the change is a calculated attempt to extend the current administration's term in office.
From the press conference held by the MDP Parliamentary Group on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. | screen image | Screen image
Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, the interim Chairperson of the MDP and Member of Parliament for the Hanimaadhoo constituency, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s recent Presidential Address included pledges for the year 2030, suggesting these remarks were made with the intention of extending the current administration's term.
He made these remarks while speaking at an MDP press conference held on Tuesday. Ghafoor stated that the MDP does not support the government-proposed bill to align the parliamentary and presidential elections. Consequently, the MDP has boycotted the vote on the bill.
The bill was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, with only members of the People's National Congress (PNC) voting in its favor. Regarding the government's current efforts to amend the Constitution, Ghafoor stated that these changes are being driven by a hidden agenda. He further noted that extending terms is part of a broader series of actions, suggesting that the PNC may propose consolidating three separate elections in the future.
"Listening to the voice of the people is not something the PNC understands. The PNC has no desire to engage with the public," Ghafoor said.
Other members of the MDP parliamentary group have also criticized the process through which the bill was handled. Meekail Ahmed Naseem, the Member for South Galolhu, stated that the rushed submission of constitutional amendments while the Parliament was in recess clearly indicated that the process was flawed from the outset. Meekail further criticized the Committee on Independent Institutions for passing the bill in just five minutes. He alleged that these maneuvers are part of an effort to rig the upcoming 2028 elections.
"He claimed that political parties were given an opportunity to participate. However, that invitation was extended on a Friday night. Providing a mere token opportunity to political parties will not suffice. The Elections Commission had already agreed to begin referendum training long before the bill was even passed. Therefore, it is very clear to us what transpired during the private meeting between President Muizzu and the President of the Elections Commission," Meekail stated.
Speaking at the press conference, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir stated that the true intent behind synchronizing elections is to pave the way for extending the current administration's term. Mauroof further warned that unless the public intervenes to hold the government accountable, President Muizzu would dismantle the Constitution to establish a long-term rule. The MDP Parliamentary Group has urged the public to overwhelmingly reject such a proposal should a referendum be held on the matter.
The People's Majlis passed the bill to synchronize two elections during Tuesday's session, proceeding despite mounting criticism against the proposal. The bill was passed with a significant majority of 72 members voting in favor. Only one member voted against the motion.
