The current administration will even abolish the existing presidential term limits: Faisal

Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated that efforts to synchronize two major elections will also lead to the abolition of the current fixed-term limits for the presidency.

According to the Constitution of the Maldives, a President is limited to a maximum of two terms in office. The administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has successfully passed a bill in Parliament to synchronize the Parliamentary and Presidential elections, proposing they be held concurrently on February 10, 2026. The government is currently working to facilitate a public referendum on this consolidation, aiming to hold the vote alongside the local council elections scheduled for April. The Elections Commission has noted that for the referendum to be held concurrently with the April elections, the necessary legislative amendments must be finalized by February 18.

Referring to these efforts during an MDP rally held in Kudahuvadhoo on Friday night, Faisal stated that, given the current trajectory of national affairs, the government’s push to align the two elections would eventually lead to the abolition of the fixed presidential term limit.

There are discussions about merging two elections under the pretext of cost reduction. Legal amendments are already underway to facilitate this consolidation. However, I must say that if things proceed to this extent, you must believe that if such changes are implemented, they will also abolish the constitutional term limits. The provision that restricts governance to a specific duration will be scrapped, paving the way for permanent rule. Competition is essential. Just as competition is necessary in business, there must be an opportunity for competitive participation in political elections. This is what is best for the citizens. As for what happens when a single individual remains in power indefinitely, we Maldivians do not even need to discuss the consequences.

Faisal Naseem, the Vice President of the previous administration.

Furthermore, Faisal criticized the current administration's actions, questioning the measures being implemented under the guise of cost-cutting.

Faisal stated that jobs are being distributed indiscriminately, leading to a generation becoming idle due to a lack of meaningful work. He noted that Maldivians have traditionally been a hardworking people who earn their own living, but warned that this commendable value is now fading from society.

Faisal stated that when the state of the nation deteriorates to the point where individuals feel coerced by their employment and fear even greeting one another, the citizens must stand up to bring about change.

Faisal emphasized that for the sake of the nation's future, it is essential to vote for MDP candidates in the upcoming local council elections. He further stated that making decisions based on short-term gains would result in irreparable and significant damage to the country.