MDP’s Mauroof: Case challenging presidential decree being delayed against standard procedure

Ahmed Mauroof, legal counsel and Legal Director of the opposition MDP, has alleged that the Civil Court is deliberately delaying the case filed by the party seeking to invalidate the resolution regarding the constitutional referendum.

In a post shared on X, Mauroof stated that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted its fourth revised application to the Civil Court, seeking to nullify the presidential decree issued to hold two elections simultaneously on April 4. He further noted that the court confirmed receipt of the amended filing on Monday, following its submission on March 11.

However, noting that the registration date for the case remains unknown, he stated that the court’s departure from standard procedure suggests a deliberate attempt to delay the proceedings.

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 standing. The party is seeking to have the decree voided on the grounds that it failed to include an information paper as mandated under Section 10 of Law No. 15/2025 (The Public Referendum Act).

In detailing the administrative action by a state institution that resulted in a violation of rights, the MDP stated that it pertains to the President's decision regarding the referendum on the constitutional amendment passed by Parliament to hold presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently. The party noted that the President decided to conduct this public referendum 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 submission failed to include the "information paper" outlining the justifications and rationale behind the President's decision.