By Ibrahim Hameez for Maldives Insight
29 May 2024, 01:40 AM
MALÉ, Maldives – The Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Ahmed Nazim, stated on Wednesday that discussions regarding the consolidation of presidential and parliamentary elections were a topic of debate even during the period of constitutional amendments. His remarks come amidst current deliberations surrounding a recently ratified bill that proposes merging the two electoral events, which is now slated for a public referendum.
Referendum on Election Merger
A bill to combine the presidential and parliamentary elections has been passed by the Majlis and subsequently ratified. The next step involves a public referendum on the matter, scheduled for 4th June, coinciding with the local council elections.
However, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed opposition to the proposed referendum, arguing that such a significant change should not be implemented arbitrarily.
Historical Precedent Cited by Nazim
Mr Nazim, who also represents the Dhiggaru constituency for the Congress Party, referred to earlier debates within the Special Majlis concerning the timelines for presidential and general parliamentary elections. He clarified that these discussions took place during the period when the Constitution was being amended.
He noted that three proposals submitted to the People’s Majlis during that era specifically addressed the merging of the two elections, and the Majlis had subsequently made decisions on these matters. Mr Nazim further specified that these proposals were submitted by Ibrahim Ismail, who was then a member for Malé, and by Ali Waheed and Shaheen Hameed, both representing the North Maalhosmadulu constituency.
Discussion