Combining elections and voting to change terms is illegal: Saleem
13 މާރިޗު 2026 | ހުކުރު 15:05Former Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Ahmed Saleem has urged the public to vote "no" in the government's proposed referendum on synchronizing elections, labeling the move as an initiative outside the established legal framework. Assuring that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will not participate in any measures detrimental to the public, Saleem emphasized that even if citizens are compelled to vote, they must remain vigilant and prioritize the nation's future.
Former Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Ahmed Saleem, speaks during a press conference held by the MDP on Friday regarding the referendum. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Saleem (Salle) has stated that the government-directed initiative by the Elections Commission to hold a referendum on synchronizing presidential and parliamentary elections, along with altering term limits, is being conducted in violation of the law.
Saleem made these remarks while speaking at a press conference held by the MDP to share concerns regarding the referendum scheduled for April 4.
Speaking at the meeting, Saleem stated that while the government holds the power to compel citizens to the polls, the public must remain highly vigilant. He noted that the efforts to synchronize elections and alter constitutional terms are being pursued outside the legal framework. Saleem emphasized that even if forced to vote, the people must deliver a resounding "no" to the government in this referendum.
We are sharing our concerns with the public because we believe the referendum currently being conducted by the Elections Commission—at the government's direction to consolidate elections—is unlawful. Despite filing a case in court to annul the process, the judiciary has failed to accept the matter, hold a hearing, or reach a decision, allowing the process to proceed regardless. While those in power may have the means to force the public toward a vote, we must consider this matter very seriously. The people must reject this proposal by a significant margin. To voice this rejection, we must mark our ballots firmly in the "No" box.Ahmed Saleem (Salle), former Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis.
Saleem further stated that the MDP would never participate in any action that would harm or disadvantage the public, assuring that the party would not stand for such causes. He therefore urged the public to remain highly vigilant and attentive to this matter.
Characterizing the move to consolidate elections as unlawful, Saleem repeatedly asserted that even if citizens are forced to the polls, it is imperative to reject the proposal for the sake of the nation's future. The opposition continues to allege that this vote is a calculated maneuver by the government to achieve specific political objectives.
