ECM Opens Voter Re-Registration Ahead of 8th Constitutional Amendment Referendum

The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has opened re-registration for voters intending to participate in the upcoming public referendum on the proposed 8th Amendment to the Constitution. 

The amendment seeks to merge Presidential and Parliamentary elections, with the referendum scheduled to be held alongside Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections on 4 April.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that the constitutional amendment will be submitted to a public vote prior to ratification. The amendment specifically concerns holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections concurrently.

The ECM announced that registered voters may now apply to vote at a polling location other than their designated station. The re-registration period is open from 10:00 a.m. on 18 February until 3:00 p.m. on 22 February. Applications can be submitted online through the Re-Registration Portal (form.elections.gov.mv) or via My Portal (my.elections.gov.mv).

Applicants using the Re-Registration Portal are required to upload a copy of an official voter identification document and a live photograph. Those applying through My Portal with a verified eFaas account are exempt from submitting a photograph or ID copy.

The referendum is being conducted under Article 262(b) of the Constitution and the General Referendum Act. According to Article 262(b), if Parliament passes a bill to amend the Constitution, the President must submit it to a referendum, with ratification contingent on majority approval of valid votes cast.

Article 31 of the General Referendum Act stipulates that if the amendment receives majority support, the President must ratify it and publish it in the Government Gazette within 15 days of the official results announcement. If the amendment fails to achieve majority support, the bill will be deemed invalid.

The ECM has also opened channels for voters to submit complaints related to the referendum process. Official results are expected to be announced on 11 April.