Committee Reviews Public Referendum Bill Behind Closed Doors

The parliamentary committee reviewing the Public Referendum Bill has decided to hold its deliberations in private, without disclosing reasons for the move.

The Committee on Independent Institutions, which met today, agreed to the proposal after it was put forward by Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef and seconded by Fuvahmulah South MP Ibrahim Hussain. Members present supported the decision to conduct the review confidentially.

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The bill, presented on behalf of the government by Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah, seeks to establish a legal framework for holding national referendums on key issues. Falah described the proposed legislation as a milestone in public empowerment, saying it reflects President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to transferring decision-making powers to citizens.

The legislation is designed to operationalise Article 262 of the Constitution, which allows for referendums. It contains 39 articles detailing the responsibilities of applicants, the Elections Commission and other state bodies.

Among the notable provisions are:

• shifting the presidential inauguration date from 17 November to 11 November, coinciding with Republic Day;
• replacing the second round of presidential elections with a new voting mechanism;
• combining presidential and parliamentary elections to ease costs and logistics;
• granting both the president and Parliament the authority to call referendums on major national matters.

The draft also requires referendums to be held within 45 to 90 days of submission, with all citizens aged 18 and above eligible to vote by secret ballot. Results must be declared within 14 days.

While ruling party MPs welcomed the bill as a step forward for democratic governance, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members questioned its intent and timing.