Yameen Warns of ‘Power Vacuum’ If Presidential, Parliamentary Terms Aligned

Former president Abdulla Yameen has warned that aligning the start and end of presidential and parliamentary terms could create a constitutional vacuum, leaving the country without a functioning legislature during a crisis.

Speaking last night at a rally organised by the People’s National Front (PNF), which he formed after departing the ruling party, People’s National Congress (PNC), Yameen said the proposal risked both the presidency and the People’s Majlis ceasing simultaneously, undermining the state’s institutional framework.

Yameen stressed that Parliament is the country’s most critical institution, tasked with holding the executive accountable. Under the Maldives’ presidential system, he argued, the president cannot act without parliamentary approval.

He described proposals to merge presidential and parliamentary elections as a “massive blunder,” warning that in the event of a national emergency, the absence of a sitting legislature would leave nobody to consult.

Yameen also called for greater transparency, saying the rationale for combining the two elections must be clearly explained to the public and subjected to broad debate.

The remarks come amid ongoing political debate over electoral reforms under President Mohamed Muizzu.

A proposed constitutional amendment would reduce the term of the current 20th Parliament by six months, with its mandate set to expire on 1 December 2028. The bill also requires all administrative arrangements for a new parliament to be completed before that date.

The government has said it intends to hold a referendum on the changes alongside local council elections scheduled for 4 April, which falls on next Saturday. Under the proposal, parliamentary elections would thereafter be held concurrently with presidential polls, a move the government says would streamline the electoral calendar.