Maldives Parliament Passes Constitutional Amendment to Hold Two Elections Together

Maldives’ Parliament has approved a government-backed constitutional amendment allowing the presidential election and the People’s Majlis (Parliamentary) election to be held on the same day.

The bill was passed during today’s parliamentary sitting with 72 votes in favor, including the Speaker’s vote. Addu Meedhoo MP Abdul Rahman voted against the bill. Several members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) did not participate in the vote after walking out of the chamber.

The amendment was fast-tracked through Parliament, with the Independent Institutions Committee approving the bill in just five minutes yesterday.

The committee stated it consulted the Attorney General’s Office, the Elections Commission, and political parties on the matter. While the ruling party, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Elections Commission backed the proposal, opposition parties urged the committee not to rush the process.

Under the amendment, starting after the 20th People’s Majlis, future parliamentary terms will begin on December 1. The government is working to hold the required public referendum alongside the Local Council Elections scheduled for April 6. For this to proceed, the bill must be ratified before the 18th of this month.

The government argues that aligning the elections will streamline the electoral calendar, though critics say the rushed approval raises serious concerns over transparency and democratic process.