MDP National Assembly Votes to Oppose Election Merger

The National Assembly of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has unanimously decided to oppose a proposed constitutional amendment to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections, citing concerns over the process, timing and lack of public consultation.

At a meeting held on Thursday night, members of the party’s National Assembly debated a resolution outlining objections to the proposed merger. The resolution stated that while public consultation is vital for constitutional changes of national importance, the current process does not provide adequate opportunity for meaningful consultation before the amendment is submitted.

Members also raised concerns that the Constitutional Amendment Bill is being rushed, without sufficient time for detailed study, debate and public discussion. Another issue highlighted was the plan to hold the vote on merging the two elections alongside council elections, which the resolution said would not allow enough time to conduct a credible opinion poll.

Local council elections and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections are scheduled for 4 April.

Meanwhile, following the ratification of the election merger bill by President Mohamed Muizzu, the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) announced that a referendum on merging the two national elections would be held on 4 April.

South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Nasym moved a resolution calling for a referendum on the proposed merger of the two elections. After being amended, the resolution was passed unanimously by all 48 members of the MDP National Assembly, with members agreeing to oppose proceeding with the referendum vote under the current conditions.

In a separate motion, former Makundhoo MP Mohammed Rai proposed that the party organise protests and rallies against the referendum. That resolution was also adopted unanimously.

The referendum on the proposed merger is set to be held in conjunction with the local council and WDC elections.