President Rules Out New Constitutional Changes After Referendum

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said that, based on the referendum results, he does not plan to introduce any constitutional changes beyond the reforms he has previously outlined.

Speaking at the weekly press conference held at the President’s Office today, he said the outcome of the 4 April referendum indicated that the public does not favour reforms requiring constitutional amendments, and that this would not be pursued further.

“I believe the people have sent a very significant message through the referendum; that is, amending the Constitution is not something the people particularly accept or favor. Therefore, I do not intend to introduce any such amendments in the future that would require changing the Constitution,” he said.

The President, however, confirmed that previously announced legal reforms would proceed. These include changes related to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), determining the number of members in the People’s Majlis, and proposed legislation to reserve a percentage of parliamentary seats for women and youth.

He said his post-election statements and actions reflect his view that the public has highlighted key issues requiring government attention, and that the administration would prioritise addressing them.

Muizzu also said the government had not effectively communicated the referendum proposal, noting that this concern had been raised with the People’s National Congress (PNC) campaign team. He added that nearly 70 percent of voters rejected the proposal.

“Along with that, when I thought about this very carefully, it became very clear to me; with it concluding that way, the answer is that—even if the government were to do it, or if I were to do it—reforms must be brought. I am someone elected by the people. I do not wish to do anything unless it is in accordance with the pulse and feelings of the people,” he said.

He added that any future governance changes would take into account public sentiment.

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) held nationwide voting on 4 April for local council elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, and a referendum on proposed changes to the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. The proposal sought to allow the President to determine the number of parliamentary seats, amend parliamentary terms, and align presidential and parliamentary elections.

In the referendum, 31.62 percent of voters, or 67,680 people, voted in favour, while 68.74 percent, or 148,859 voters, voted against the proposal.