Former Defence Minister Calls for Staggered Parliamentary Elections

Former Defence Minister Mariya Didi has called for constitutional reform to introduce staggered parliamentary elections, warning that Parliament’s oversight role has been weakened under the Muizzu administration.

In a post on X, Mariya said the synchronization of presidential and parliamentary elections allows a sitting president to consolidate power and sideline legislative scrutiny for an entire term, undermining the separation of powers.

She proposed electing half of parliamentary seats mid-way through a presidential term for an initial 2½-year period aligned with local council elections, while the remaining seats would be elected alongside the presidential poll for five-year terms.

Mariya said the model would restore accountability, reflect public sentiment mid-term, and strengthen checks and balances, urging public discussion and collective lobbying to safeguard Maldivian democracy.