MDP Urges Swift Ratification of Election Postponement Bill

Opposition party MDP’s Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has urged for the swift ratification of a recently passed parliamentary bill aimed at postponing the upcoming elections. 

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) had initially set the parliamentary elections for March 17, a date coinciding with the first week of Ramadan, prompting concerns regarding potential low voter turnout.

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The Parliament, in a session held on February 11th, endorsed an amendment to the General Elections Act, which states that if an election date falls within Ramadan, the national election must be postponed until 10 days after Ramadan concludes. However, for this amendment to take effect, it requires the formal ratification by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Despite the pending ratification, President Muizzu, speaking at a gathering in Addu City on Sunday, reiterated that the parliamentary election is scheduled for March 17th. In response, Fayyaz emphasized the importance of considering avenues that would encourage greater public participation in the electoral process.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, Fayyaz highlighted the potential constraints on exercising the fundamental right to vote if the election were to proceed during Ramadan. He called for the immediate ratification of the bill aimed at postponing the election, asserting that it would facilitate a more inclusive electoral process.

The bill received backing from lawmakers representing the opposition MDP and The Democrats, while those aligned with the government expressed opposition to the proposed amendment.