No By-Election in Faresmathodaa if Parliamentary Elections in April, Says ECM

The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has confirmed that there will be no by-election for Faresmathodaa in April next year if parliamentary elections are held as scheduled. 

This decision is based on the constitutional provisions governing the timing of by-elections and general parliamentary elections.

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According to the Maldivian Constitution, when a member of Parliament resigns, a by-election must be conducted within fifty days to fill the vacant seat. 

However, an important caveat exists: if there are six months or less between the date of the vacancy and the next general parliamentary election, no by-election is to be held.

The impending vacancy in the Faresmathodaa constituency is set to occur when the incumbent member, Hussain Mohammed Latheef, is sworn in as Vice-President in November. With a five-month period between this inauguration and the scheduled parliamentary elections, the constitutional requirement for a by-election is not met.

It’s worth noting that the ECM is currently working towards holding the parliamentary elections in April next year. However, should unforeseen circumstances arise leading to a postponement of the parliamentary elections, a by-election in Faresmathodaa will be held in accordance with the constitutional mandate.