The President has decided to hold a national referendum to seek public opinion on a constitutional amendment aimed at synchronizing the presidential and parliamentary elections. This referendum is scheduled to take place alongside the Local Council Elections in April next year. The primary objectives of consolidating these elections are to reduce state expenditures, streamline the governance system, and foster greater political stability.
This reform would allow citizens to elect two key branches of the state simultaneously, potentially facilitating more effective implementation of government policies. Similar electoral systems are already functioning successfully in several developed nations across the globe. As a historic transformation of the Maldives’ electoral framework, the final decision rests solely with the people through a direct vote. Should the majority of voters not support the amendment, the proposed reform will not proceed.
