New Constitutional Case Filed to Stop Referendum Vote

A constitutional case has been filed in the High Court seeking to prevent the referendum scheduled alongside Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

The petition, submitted by lawyer Mariyam Shunana, argues that the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has failed to provide sufficient explanation regarding the purpose of the referendum. The lawsuit claims that the government and election authorities have violated legal procedures and ignored requirements designed to ensure a fair and independent election.

Among the reasons cited in the case:

• The simultaneous holding of two elections involves constitutional amendments, but the current parliament’s term does not expire until 1 December 2028. The petition argues that the proposed change constitutes an unconstitutional amendment. According to the plaintiffs, elections can only be held together if the parliament is dissolved around 177 days before the end of its term.

• The election was announced on 16 February, with voting scheduled for 4 April 2026, giving roughly 47 days for public debate, campaigning, and other election-related preparations.

• Referendum materials—including information, ballot paper samples, bills, and presidential resolutions—are not readily accessible in one place, limiting voters’ ability to make informed decisions.

Shunana is seeking an interim order to halt the referendum. In the absence of such an injunction, the suit requests that the authorities be restrained from declaring, publishing, or acting on the vote’s results.

A separate petition, filed by lawyers Ahmed Aik Easa and Ibrahim Shiyam, is before the Supreme Court, with a verdict scheduled for today.

The bill enabling the simultaneous elections, introduced by PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah on behalf of the government, was passed by parliament on 10 March. Under constitutional rules, such a change requires a majority vote.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has defended the move, stating that holding the two elections together will result in significant cost savings.