MDP files court case to annul President Muizzu’s decree on referendum
The MDP also noted that the "information paper" detailing the justifications and grounds for the decision was not included.
General members of the MDP seen carrying the party's flag during a previous event. | Social Media | Social Media
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decree to hold a referendum on whether to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously.
In the lawsuit filed with the Civil Court, the MDP contends that the decree issued by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on February 16, 2026, lacks legal validity. The party is seeking to have the decree overturned on the grounds that it failed to include an information paper as mandated under Section 10 of Law No. 15/2025 (The Referendum Act).
Regarding the administrative action taken by a state institution that resulted in the infringement of a right, the MDP stated that the details pertain to the President's decision to schedule a public referendum. This referendum, intended to determine public support for a constitutional amendment passed by Parliament to hold presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently, is set to take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026—the same date the Elections Commission has announced for the "Local Council and Women's Development Committee Elections 2026."
Furthermore, the MDP stated that the President failed to include the "information paper" detailing the justifications and grounds upon which the decision was made.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to oppose the proposal to hold two elections simultaneously. In line with this decision, the party has announced plans to hold a large-scale protest on March 21. The MDP stated that it remains committed to standing up and advocating for the people against any actions that infringe upon their fundamental rights.
