MDP says merging two national elections is an attempt to deprive people of their right to vote and extend the presidential term

Opposition MDP MPs on Tuesday accused the government of attempting to undermine the Constitution by pushing for a referendum to merge two major national elections, a move they allege is designed to deprive the public of their right to vote and ultimately extend the presidential term.

Parliament on Monday passed the constitutional amendment to merge the parliamentary and council elections, which will also shorten the current Parliament’s term. MDP members boycotted the vote, allowing the bill to pass without their participation.

The sitting was briefly adjourned for 20 minutes after the names of four MDP MPs were called during the vote.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, MDP Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader Hussain Ziyadh said the government has not clarified whether the referendum on merging the elections will be held alongside the upcoming council elections. He accused the administration of withholding information from the public.

“The first thing should be to ask the people whether they want to hold the parliamentary election on Tuesday. Then everything will be clear,” he said.

Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem said the amendment had a “bad start,” questioning why such a significant constitutional change was being rushed through during the parliamentary recess. He said political parties were summoned to the committee at the last minute and were only given a nominal opportunity to participate, without any real chance to discuss the merger within their internal bodies.

“It is expensive to go to the people, it is a big deal, but we don’t see anything cost‑related in what the PNC is doing to break this system,” Meekail said.

Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir said the purpose of the amendment is to shorten the parliamentary term while extending the presidential term. He accused the ruling party of initiating constitutional changes to prolong President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s time in office.

“The right of the people to vote, the only opportunity for the public to exercise their true power when democracy came to Maldives, is being taken away altogether in order to extend a presidency,” he said, urging the public to protest and reject the move.