President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Bill on Public Referendum for Seeking Public Opinion. This bill was passed during the special session (5) of the People’s Majlis held on Monday, September 15, 2025. The bill outlines all the principles for conducting a public referendum to seek public opinion. The Bill on Public Referendum for Seeking Public Opinion states that the People’s Majlis can decide to hold a public referendum to gauge public opinion on important matters concerning the people. It also states that the President can decide to hold a public referendum to assess public opinion on nationally important issues.
This bill specifies the circumstances under which a public referendum can be held as stated in the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, the roles and responsibilities of those proposing the referendum, the procedures to be followed by the Elections Commission in conducting the referendum, and all other related principles. According to the bill, the Elections Commission must hold the referendum within 3 months of receiving the resolution for a public referendum to seek public opinion. The bill, which outlines the methods for seeking public opinion, states that a public referendum can be held on important matters concerning the people, nationally significant issues, and to amend certain articles of the Constitution. As per the bill, the decision to go for a public referendum on important matters concerning the people will be made by the People’s Majlis. The President will decide on holding a public referendum regarding nationally important issues.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for holding a referendum to seek public approval in cases where the President does not ratify a bill passed by the People’s Majlis to amend the Constitution and informs the Majlis of this decision. The bill also states that the expenses for referendums on matters proposed for public opinion will be funded from the State Consolidated Revenue Fund under the Public Finance Act. With the President’s ratification and publication in the Government Gazette, this law has now come into effect.
