New Legislation Allows Parliamentary Election Post-Ramadan

The Parliament approved a legislative amendment prohibiting national elections from taking place during the month of Ramadan, today.

The amendment to the General Elections Act, proposed by the main opposition party MDP, which holds a majority in Parliament, was introduced on January 24.

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The move follows concerns raised after the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) scheduled parliamentary elections for March 17, coinciding with the first week of Ramadan, prompting fears of reduced voter turnout.

Under the newly passed amendment, elections scheduled during Ramadan must now be postponed until 10 days after the conclusion of the holy month.

The bill secured a majority vote of 46-3 during this afternoon’s session.

While the ECM has not yet announced a new election date, the earliest possible date, following the implementation of the amendment, would be April 19.

The current parliamentary assembly’s term is due to expire on May 28.

The upcoming elections will involve the selection of parliamentary representatives for 93 electoral districts across the Maldives.