MDP to Protest Against Referendum on Holding Elections Together
Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for Kendhoo, said the protest is scheduled for 21 March
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced plans to stage a protest against the government’s decision to hold a referendum on conducting parliamentary and presidential elections at the same time.
The demonstration was announced at a press conference yesterday. Speaking to reporters, Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for Kendhoo, said the protest is scheduled for 21 March.
According to the MDP, the demonstration forms part of a broader campaign opposing the proposed referendum. The party has also established a committee to organise and carry out a series of activities related to its opposition.
In addition to street protests, the MDP said it is preparing to file a case at the Supreme Court of the Maldives seeking to nullify the Referendum Act and the decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to hold a referendum under the legislation.
The constitutional changes were submitted to Parliament by Ibrahim Falah, the parliamentary group leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), on behalf of the government. The bill was passed by the People’s Majlis on 10 February.
Following ratification of the bill, President Dr Muizzu decided that the referendum would be held alongside the upcoming local council elections. Consequently, the Election Commission of the Maldives has announced that the referendum will take place on 4 April to decide whether parliamentary and presidential elections should be held together.
